Document

1St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

full circle2008-2009 Annual Report

2 Annual Report 2008-2009 3St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

Full circleThis year’s report follows the theme ‘full circle’. It’s a reference to the work the Society does in helping people come full circle within their lives, finding the comfort and dignity that is the birthright. It is also a reference to the way the report has been compiled; for the first time we have detailed all our Special Works, the full circle of what we do.

The Annual Report of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is produced by the Community and Corporate Relations Team of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, November 2009.

Written by: Marion Frith, Communications Manager, [email protected] by: Rachel Anne Irvine, Publications and Design Coordinator, [email protected] collated by: Jey Natkunaratnam, Statistics Coordinator, [email protected] for this document rests with Julie McDonald, Manager, Community and Corporate Relations, [email protected]

Privacy Statement: Because the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW respects the privacy of the people it serves, the names of any clients featured in this report have been changes and pictorial models used.

Distributed by Ozanam Industries, www.ozanam.org.au

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW ABN: 46 472 591 335

Contents

CONTENTS

Disaster recoveryRural Task Force

Food services

Family servicesHousingAged housingCare and support centresCommunity servicesFinancial support

Youth services

Youth and Young Adults

Social justice

Our Volunteers

Our Supporters

Operations

FinanceIncome StatementBalance SheetCash Flow StatementGrant Thornton and Note 1

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A message from the CardinalA message from the PresidentIntroductionSt Vincent de Paul Society NSW State CouncilMembership and assistance statistics

Diocesan reports:Armidale Diocesan CouncilBathurst Diocesan CouncilBroken Bay Diocesan CouncilLismore Diocesan CouncilMaitland/Newcastle Diocesan CouncilParramatta Diocesan CouncilSydney Archdiocesan CouncilWagga Wagga Diocesan CouncilWilcannia/Forbes Diocesan CouncilWollongong Diocesan Council

Our servicesMatthew Talbot Homeless ServicesMens’ servicesAddiction servicesWomen and children’s services

Vinnies Centres

Migrants and refugeesSPARK

Overseas partnership and developmentTwinningAssist a Student

Disability services

Mental health servicesCompeer

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12141618202224262830

32323738

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464646

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This year the St Vincent de Paul Society has continued its good works in many ways; fulfilling its mission to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, and working to shape a more just and compassionate society.

As always, the Society has manned the frontline of disadvantage, assisting those in need across the State with skill, empathy and compassion. It has offered a hand up to countless Australians in need, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that those who have felt life’s blows have had the support they have needed to withstand them.

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s work is extensive and varied. Its clients include the homeless, the poor, the lonely, women and children escaping domestic violence, migrants and refugees, those doing it tough in the country, and people with a mental illness or a disability. The Society’s Special Works cater to the specific and

often challenging needs of a disparate and diverse range of people. In Sydney alone on one winter’s night during the year, a newborn baby slept safely and soundly in her migrant mother’s arms in a women’s refuge, while a 92-year-old war veteran turned up, hunched over and cold, for a warming meal at the Matthew Talbot Hostel. Such is the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The global financial crisis had a marked impact on the Society’s work as increasing numbers of people turned to it for assistance. It witnessed the emergence of the new face of homelessness; families who could no longer manage in the private rental market and who were, for the first time, finding themselves homeless.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout, held at Luna Park in June, drew widespread media attention to the issue of homelessness, attracting more than 200 top CEOs to sleep out in the cold to raise awareness, and funds, for the Society’s homeless services across the State. It was a powerful and moving event, at which some of the country’s most influential leaders met some of its most dispossessed.

During the year, a major research report ‘Known Territory’ drew on extensive personal interviews to highlight the dire need in the Blue Mountains region of the State, and generated much public debate.

The Winter Appeal, with the theme ‘Tomorrow Can Be Different’ focused on the tangible difference donations can make and featured a collection of words and drawings from the people the Society helps asking one question – “What does today mean to you?” The artworks, displayed at the State Library, spoke a thousand words and generated significant income to support the Society’s work during the colder winter months.

The Rural Task Force continued to bring help and hope to communities ravaged by drought, and the Natural Disaster Recovery team was there after major floods caused havoc in NSW.

The award–winning SPARK (St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids) program grew significantly and now operates in six schools in Western Sydney.

Of course, the highlight of the year for all in the Catholic Community was World Youth Day, and the St Vincent de Paul Society – and in particular Vinnies Youth - played a pivotal role in preparations for the event. The Vinnies World Youth 4 Justice concert, following the arrival of our Holy Father to Sydney, was attended by more than 100,000 young pilgrims all wanting to add their voice to the worldwide call for social justice.

Once again I would like to extend my thanks and the thanks of the Catholic community for the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, through its members, volunteers and staff. Their work continues to provide a light in the darkness of the lives of the disadvantaged and marginalised. It is truly the work of Christ and my prayers, good wishes and heartfelt thanks go with all Vincentians in that precious task.

George Cardinal PellArchbishop of Sydney

a message from the cardinal01

A MESSAGE FROM THE CARDINAL

Annual Report 2008-2009 7St Vincent de Paul Society NSW6

The past year has been a difficult one for many Australians, with tough economic times placing more and more individuals and families under enormous pressure. From where we sit at the coalface of service delivery, the St Vincent de Paul Society has witnessed an increase in demand for our services, especially from people who never thought they would need them.

We have responded to that increase in demand, in the cities and the country. Our tireless members and volunteers have continued to provide support, assistance and friendship to those they visit in their homes, on the streets, or through our Special Works. A trend, widely reported in the media, was the emergence of what was described as the ‘new face of homelessness’: families with nowhere to go. The opening of our landmark, purpose-built Vincentian House in inner City Sydney in October 2009 will go some way to addressing this increase, providing accommodation for 23 families and 10 single women.

It should be no surprise to hear that the international economic downturn impacted on our work, in that new people came to us for assistance, and fewer people were able to make financial donations. The downturn focused public and media attention on the plight of the disadvantaged, as an increasing number of Australians came under pressure. An upside of this focus was a more widespread attitude, empathy and understanding within the community for those doing it tough; a subtle change that could not be measured, but could be felt.

As I look back over the year I am again humbled by the variety and breadth of the work we do. As outlined in this year’s annual report, our Special Works cover the full gambit of need, from small services catering to a relatively small number of people, to those that assist thousands. That range and variety reflects the flexibility of the St Vincent de Paul Society in identifying and responding to need where it is found.

In order to continue to deliver those services the Society has faced some changes during the year. Further organisational and operational restructuring, essential to maintain long-term viability and relevance, will continue during 2009-2010. However, none of this will be undertaken without serious consideration. Remaking the Society as a company limited by guarantee, the introduction of a constitution, change from Diocesan Councils to Central Councils, production and publication of consolidated audited accounts, and greater transparency are a few critical matters among many under review.

Importantly, all of these are administrative issues that will have little impact on the extraordinary and generous work of our members and volunteers. These changes will take time and effort to introduce, review and refine but are all projected to be completed by July 2010.

It has been a challenging and yet enormously satisfying year for everyone at the Society. Highlights included the opening of our Ozanam Learning Centre by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and our wonderfully successful CEO Sleepout, in which more than 200 business leaders slept out at Luna Park to raise $640,000. We have been blessed to witness lives changed and second-chances seized. None of our work, however, would have been possible without the enduring commitment of the people who make up the Society. We have more than 17,000 volunteer roles and 1,000 employees, who perform the work of Christ by helping those who need it; whoever they are and wherever they may be.

On behalf of those we assist, I thank them, and the army of supporters, benefactors and the trusts and foundations that make our work possible.

Barbara RyanPresident, St Vincent de Paul Society NSWa message from the president

02

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Annual Report 2008-2009


Barbara RyanPresident

Peter SharpVice President Finance

Don HewittArmidale

Terry WalshSydney

Beverley KerrVice President

Gillian FergusonBathurst

Des GoonanWagga Wagga

Gwen SampsonVice President

John DonnellyBroken Bay

Leo SheehanWilcannia/Forbes

Alicia WebsterVice President

Kevin WalshLismore

Cynthia FenemoreWollongong

Dominic SullivanVice President

Lisa BrightVice President Youth

Col ParkerMaitland/Newcastle

Des KinsellaParramatta

PRES

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NSW STATE COUNCIL

Our MissionThe St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.

Our VisionThe St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity offering a ‘hand up’ to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

How we workThe St Vincent de Paul Society has been serving the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised in NSW for 128 years.

There are 4,969 members of the Society in NSW. The Society’s structure comprises 421 local adult Conferences, 185 Youth and Young Adult Conferences, 95 Special Works and 246 Vinnies Centres (retail shops). These are supported and governed by 56 Regional Councils, which are in turn supported and governed by 10 Diocesan Councils.

State Council’s role is to provide support for the work of the Conferences, Special Works, and Vinnies Centres through the Diocesan Councils and Regional Councils. State Council’s duty is legal compliance, and all corporate management responsibilities.

Our logoThe Society’s work is enshrined in its logo, which incorporates three hands and a cup: the hand of Christ that blesses the cup; the hand of love that offers the cup, and the hand of suffering that receives the cup.

the hand of Christ that blesses the cup the hand of love that offers the cup the hand of suffering that receives the cup

introduction03


STATISTICS

assistance statisticsmembership statistics

Income source of people assisted by Conferences

Conference visitation statistics

2008/2009

Disability Support Pension

Newstart/Youth Allowance

Parenting Payment

Other government pension

Age Pension

Wages

Not determined

No income

Armidale Diocese

Bathurst Diocese

Broken Bay Diocese

Lismore Diocese

Maitland/Newcastle Diocese

Parramatta Dioceses

Sydney Archdiocese

Wilcannia/Forbes Diocese

Wagga Wagga Diocese

Wollongong Diocese

29% 27%

2008/2009 2007/2008

24% 24%

21% 24%

12% 11%

6% 5%

3% 3%

3% 4%

2% 2%

Family composition of people assisted by Conferences

2008/2009

Single without children

Single with children

Couple with children

Couple without children

2008/2009 2007/2008

48% 44%

29% 32%

14% 15%

9% 9%

0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000

Number of persons assisted by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

Number of persons assisted through Conferences(Statistic excludes Youth and Young Adult Conferences, 2007/2008: 2,096 persons assisted; 2008/2009: 1,351 persons assisted)

Note: 2007/2008 figures have been amended to reflect the separation of NSW State Council from Canberra/Goulburn Central Council.

Number of persons assisted through Special Works

Number of persons assisted through Vinnies Centres

Number of persons assisted through Regional Council Referal Rooms

158,908 2008/2009

89,372 2008/2009

80,609 2008/2009

384,858 2008/2009

219,703 2007/2008

59,235 2007/2008

84,817 2007/2008

427,572 2007/2008

Number of:

Diocesan Councils 10

2008/2009

Regional Councils 56

Conferences 421

Youth & Young Adult Conferences 185

Special Works 95

Vinnies Centres

Employees (State Council)

Employees (Diocese)

246

460

857

Number of positions: MembersAssociateMembers

TotalVolunteers

Councils 128 0 128

Conferences 4,257 1,260 5,517

Youth & Young Adult Conferences 165 1,398 1,563

Special Works 419 1,993 2,412

Vinnies Centres 0 7,472 7,472

Total Volunteers 4,969 12,123 17,092

Number of:

Members/Volunteers below 50 years of age (excluding Youth & Young Adult Conference members):

New Members/Volunteers:

Conference Members 396


Vinnies Centre Volunteers 1,243

Vinnies Centre Volunteers 1,363

Volunteer hours by activity type:

Note: On average, each Member/Volunteer in the above activities spent 137 hours in 2008/2009 volunteering for the Society.

Volunteers by activity type:

Vinnies Centres volunteers 44%

Conference volunteers 32%

Youth & Young Adult volunteers 9%

Special Works volunteers 14%

Council volunteers 1%

Vinnies Centres volunteer hours 1,859,377 hours (88%)

Conference volunteer hours 129,203 hours (6%)

Special Work volunteer hours 124,726 hours (6%)

Number of: TotalAverage visits conducted per Conference Member per year

Average visits per Conference per year

Home visitations by Conference Volunteers 197,571 34* 454*

Hospital, prison, nurshing home, and Special Work visitations by Conference Volunteers 24,953 5 59

Note: In 2008/2009 77,549 persons were visited at hospitals, prisons, nursing homes and Special Works by Conference Members.

* This figure includes Conference Members, Associate Members and Youth and Young Adult Members but excludes Mini Vinnies groups who do not participate in home visitation.

Note: In 2008/2009 $12,284,465 of financial support was given to clients during home visitations through cash, food parcels, food vouchers, fares, debt payments, clothing, household goods etc.

Total Persons Assisted 2008/2009: 715,098Total Persons Assisted 2007/2008: 793,423

Note: In 2008/2009, 1,832 participants of Mini Vinnies groups were involved in Society activities.

Annual Report 2008-2009 13St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

The Armidale Diocese continued to face the challenges posed by the ongoing drought. Geographically, the Diocese is almost half farming and half grazing lands, and the situation remains grim for countless landowners.

Testimony to the need, and the strength of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the area was the establishment of three new Conferences at Kootingal, Guyra and Walgett, taking the number from 26 to 29. Walgett faces significant social hardship, particularly within its disadvantaged indigenous population.

Members found that while material assistance was invaluable, farmers in particular needed emotional support, ‘a caring person to share the burden’. There was a great call for the Society’s core business of home visitation, although this transformed to ‘farm visitation’. Farm visitation required Conference members to develop even greater sensitivity and slightly different interpersonal skills, given the proud and reluctant nature of these rural clients. Tragically, even once the drought has broken the need will remain high as a consequence for many years.

As well as need within the farming and indigenous population, Armidale faces the unique needs of the ‘track travellers’. These are people of little means leaving Sydney to travel to Queensland’s warmer climate along the New England Highway, who often find themselves broke, hungry or stranded by the time they get to Tamworth, Armidale or Glen Innes.

Internally, the Diocesan Office focused on changing and improving its accounting and statistical reporting for great efficiency. The much needed upgrade and improvement of 19 Vinnies Centres continued. These Centres, many of which had been built or renovated with limited funding or expertise, are all in dire need of renovation in order to meet Society standards and provide reasonable comfort for volunteers, clients and shoppers.

Members found that while material assistance was invaluable, farmers in particular needed emotional support, ‘a caring person to share the burden’.

Number of:

Number of persons assisted through:

MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE

Regional Councils 4

Regional Council Referral Rooms 4,015

Conferences 26

Special Works 0

Vinnies Centres 1,994

Conferences 12,375


TOTAL PERSONS ASSISTED 18,406

Special Works 0

6Youth & Young Adult Conferences

Vinnies Centres 19

Total Volunteers 948



armidale diocese04.1

ARMIDALE DIOCESE

Special Works Members 0’‘


The population of the Bathurst Diocese includes a wide range of socio-economic profiles in large and small towns and on farms. It also includes areas of ongoing drought. Indeed, hopes that the drought might have been easing were shattered during the year and large numbers of people continue to be seriously affected.

It is not only farmers who are struggling but also small businesses, such as mechanics, builders and shop owners, who rely on the viability of the farms for their own income. As in other areas of the State, drought-related economic hardship has forced people to move to other areas, away from established support groups. One of these areas is Dubbo, where the Society has experienced an increase in calls for assistance, as have the areas north of the town.

Apart from managing the challenges posed by the drought, the other main focus for the Society in the Diocese was OH&S in Vinnies Centres. The Society worked to establish a set of OH&S practices and protocols and introduced training for its volunteers, which was well received.

Planning and development of a new Distribution Centre in Bathurst was finalised, and work should commence by the end of 2009. A previous Distribution Centre in Bathurst has been closed for many years due to safety concerns resulting from its state of disrepair. This Centre has now been partially demolished. The new Centre will streamline distribution to Vinnies Centres and greatly assist in the ability to control stock.

The Vinnies Van and Café grew to become a much-loved mainstay of the town, aided by generous and ongoing sponsorship from a local mining company, Cadia Mines. This is a Special Work that lacks neither funds nor volunteers and has proved to be a morale-booster to those it assisted as well as to the whole town of Orange.

As in other areas of the State, drought-related economic hardship has forced people to move to other areas, away from established support groups.”

“


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE

Regional Council Referral Rooms 0

Special Works 2,016


Conferences 26,284



BATHURST DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 4

Conferences 26

Special Works 5


Vinnies Centres 17

Total Volunteers 1,086


Special Works Members 28

Annual Report 2008-200914bathurst diocese04.2


The level of need within the Broken Bay Diocese rose during 2008-2009, with Conferences making almost 250 more home visits each month. The Central Coast faced particularly high need, as the economic climate forced people out of Sydney to regional areas.

The main area of assistance remained the issuing of food vouchers, but the levels of assistance for utilities and rent rose as people lost jobs or were forced to reduce working hours. The demand for budget counselling increased.

Homelessness was a focus during the year, with the Diocese working with the Central Coast Homelessness Interagency and the Hornsby Homelessness Taskforce. Mental health was also a focus and the Broken Bay Diocesan Council piloted the Central Coast Mental Health Project for members, aimed at developing their understanding of the mental health issues they might encounter in home visitations, and their ability to assist sufferers through a broader knowledge of community-based help.

A highlight of the year was the opening of the new Youth Reach premises at Brookvale. The building has provided the scope to expand existing services and introduce new programs for young people aged 13-25.

Other achievements included the near completion of the long-awaited new Gosford Vinnies Centre and Regional Office; the purchase of the Narrabeen Centre premises; the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Centacare Broken Bay for the provision of temporary housing and counselling services in the Northern Beaches region; and the increase in sales of Vinnies Centres by 6.55% over the year.

A highlight of the year was the opening of the new Youth Reach premises at Brookvale.”

“


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 1,924


Conferences 40,135



BROKEN BAY DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 5

Conferences 40

Special Works 10


Vinnies Centres 27




16 Annual Report 2008-2009

04.3broken bay diocese


Despite is popularity as a holiday destination the Lismore Diocese holds areas of significant social disadvantage. The towns of Lismore, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Macksville, Kempsey and Tweed Heads have pockets of severe need, as do many of the towns further inland where entrenched poverty, transport and health issues are endemic. Overall, the number of people unable to cope financially has increased, and in the past year, Society Conferences were called on to provide a greater level of assistance.

The area attracts people who may have been forced out of Sydney by increasing rents, and are attracted by a perceived lower cost of living and warm weather. However, unable to find employment, many find themselves not only out of work, but away from former support and friendship networks.

During the year there was a focus within the Diocese on training, with three block sessions of disaster recovery training conducted for volunteers. A total of 84 volunteers had completed the training before the devastating floods in May caused the areas to be declared a natural disaster zone by the NSW Premier.

The Diocese held a Social Justice Forum in March, in which State Council researchers and the Diocesan social justice representative joined community representatives and others for a working exchange of ideas and action on topics ranging from homelessness and poverty, through to the global financial crisis, transport and infrastructure. Lack of affordable housing and social isolation were identified as priority issues for the Diocese.

The new position of Vinnies Centres Retail Manager was created to oversee the operation of the 28 Centres in the Diocese. Twelve Vinnies Centres underwent varying degrees of renovation and refurbishment. A Migrant and Refugee Worker was appointed for the first time.

The area attracts people who may have been forced out of Sydney by increasing rents, and are attracted by a perceived lower cost of living and warm weather.”

“


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 297


Conferences 42,414



LISMORE DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 5

Conferences 35

Special Works 6


Vinnies Centres 29





lismore diocese04.4


The Maitland/Newcastle Diocese takes in a broad socio-economic profile, and includes areas of significant wealth and those of dire need. Calls for assistance were largely steady in number across the year, although the level of help sought by each family and individual was higher.

The greatest challenge facing the Diocese was the lack of affordable housing. Since the June 2007 floods caused widespread damage, rents have escalated and many people have been forced to move within the Diocese in search of affordable accommodation. In line with these rental rises, an increase in the number of homeless families seeking assistance has been experienced. In Maitland, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people, including children, sleeping in cars.

Hunter Homeless is a Special Work run by a Society Conference that visits the Coachstop Caravan Park in Maitland each fortnight. Many of the long-term residents of the park are experiencing severe disadvantage.

Hunter Homeless is a Special Work run by a Society Conference that visits the Coachstop Caravan Park in Maitland each fornight.”

“

The Conference has provided a cabin on site for visiting health professionals and Outreach workers to meet with the residents.

Construction began in May on a new purpose-built Vinnies Centre in Singleton, which will be completed by the end of 2009, and will replace the existing Centre. A Distribution Centre for the centralised sorting, storage and delivery of goods to the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Centres was established, modeled on the Distribution Centres in Auburn and Lismore. All Vinnies Centres have now been rebranded and feature new signage and many buildings have undergone overdue maintenance and renovation.

Recruitment workshops were held at Rutherford and Forster in November resulting in a number of recruitment drives across the Diocese. Not only did these generate new members, they injected renewed enthusiasm among existing members. The Damascus Day retreat was held at Kurri Kurri in October and was attended by 50 members. Recruitment during Newcastle University and TAFE orientation weeks was also very successful.


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 8,269


Conferences 59,178



MAITLAND/NEWCASTLE DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 8

Conferences 52

Special Works 8


Vinnies Centres 28





maitland/newcastle diocese04.5


The Parramatta Diocese incorporates areas of extreme disadvantage, particularly in some suburbs in Western Sydney dominated by public housing, and the Blue Mountains where many people have moved to escape Sydney’s rising rents. The need for assistance across the Diocese rose substantially during the year.

The Diocese underwent significant change during 2008-2009. This change was symbolised by a change of direction for the Vinnies Centres and the way the Society supports the work of the volunteers. This involved a greater focus on training and a consistent approach to the marketing of clothing and household goods, the sale of which goes directly to assist the disadvantaged in the Diocese.

The Regional Council elections resulted in four new Regional Presidents who all brought renewed energy and enthusiasm to their roles. A new Diocesan President will be elected at the end of 2009, bringing a complete changing of the guard for the Diocese.

Two new Vinnies Centres... have been extremely successful. Overall Vinnies Centre sales were up by more than 15 per cent.”

“

State Council’s financial assumption of responsibility for the Caroline Chisholm Centre and the Margaret Druitt Day Care Centre, and the transfer of Our Lady of the Way and the Cardinal Freeman Centre to Matthew Talbot Homeless Services, enabled the Diocese to provide greater focus on financially supporting the work of Conference members.

Plans are underway to create two new Regions within the Diocese to increase representation of members on the Diocesan Council. Two new Vinnies Centres, in Baulkham Hills and Penrith, were opened and have been extremely successful. Overall Vinnies Centre sales were up by more than 15 per cent.

The Society’s ‘Known Territory’ report into chronic homelessness in Katoomba generated considerable media and government interest in the subject and highlighted the Society’s role in addressing the problem.


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 5,947


Conferences 39,258



PARRAMATTA DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 4

Conferences 44

Special Works 3


Vinnies Centres 26





parramatta diocese04.6


Sydney Archdiocese is the St Vincent de Paul Society’s largest Diocese in NSW with regard to the number of members, volunteers and Vinnies Centres, and it gives assistance across the area of greater metropolitan Sydney. As a result it has a diverse population and a consistently high level of need ranging from large inner-city public housing estates and boarding houses to widespread social disadvantage in some suburbs.

The Archdiocese experienced an increase in the calls for assistance as more individuals and families struggled to cope with increasing city rents and the cost of living against the backdrop of rising unemployment. There were more families whose breadwinner had lost their job seeking assistance, along with those families who could no longer manage in the private rental market and were facing homelessness for the first time. In response to these developments the Archdiocese opened dedicated Family Assistance Centres in Redfern, Maroubra and Auburn and extended its financial counselling service into new areas.

Special Works that provide short-term crisis accommodation continued to operate at virtually full capacity while there was a marked rise in the number of refugees and asylum seekers needing material and financial assistance. The Night Patrol services that cover the inner-city and Liverpool area and are manned by dedicated volunteers continued to provide upwards of 200 meals every night of the year to the homeless living on the streets.

The Night Patrol services... continued to provide upwards of 200 meals every night of the year...”

“

The income generated by the Archdiocese’s 46 retail operations substantially supported existing good works because the traditional sources of income such as Winter and Christmas Appeals and poor box collections were unable to keep pace with the increasing demands made on welfare services.

During the year new Vinnies Centres were opened in Wetherill Park, Fairfield, Miller and Auburn as part of the overall strategy to broaden the coverage of the Archdiocese’s retail operations.


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 64,982


Conferences 71,596



SYDNEY ARCHDIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 12

Conferences 115

Special Works 18


Vinnies Centres 46


Conference Members 1,111



sydney archdiocese04.7


The situation in Wagga Wagga Diocese continues to be desperate as a result of the ongoing severity of the drought in the region. The towns most affected are Finley, Berrigan, and Jerilderie as well as the many small outlying hamlets. The main crop in this area of the Riverina is rice, but irrigation water allocations have been cut, with serious repercussions for farmers.

In other areas, the crops are struggling, forcing many farmers and families to leave the area in search of work. The social ramifications for the remainder of the community are significant. In some areas, for example, locals can no longer muster the numbers for a footy team. Overall, the Diocese is one under enormous pressure.

The situation in Wagga Wagga Diocese continues to be desperate as a result of the ongoing severity of the drought in the region.”

“

As a result, last year the need for assistance was high and Conferences received an increased number of calls for help. With incomes reduced, or gone completely, people needed help with household expenses, utility bills and food.

Fortuitously, income from the Vinnies Centres increased, as more shoppers tuned to them for good quality items at bargain prices.

Membership of the Youth Team grew and gained momentum; and the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy program for migrants and refugees met its objectives and deadlines and delivered strong and lasting friendships between members and the welcomed new arrivals.

A new group for senior and retired Society members was started by a past president, ensuring their links with the St Vincent de Paul Society remain unbroken. Number of persons assisted through:

MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 19


Conferences 31,052



WAGGA W

AGGA DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 4

Conferences 27

Special Works 4


Vinnies Centres 15





wagga wagga diocese04.8


The ongoing severity of the drought meant the Diocese was called upon to provide increased assistance with power, food, telephone, medical expenses and transport for farmers and rural-related small businesses, such as shearing contractors, small transport operators and cropping contractors.

The number of people helped by Conferences dropped, but the amount of financial assistance was higher, reflecting the fact people are being forced from the areas through economic hardship. Those who remain are doing it even tougher. As well as the effects of the drought, there were significant lay-offs in the mining industry.

To offset some of the hardship, the Society made funds available for 45 drought-affected schools in the Diocese to hold Christmas parties for more than 2,500 children. These hugely popular celebrations injected much-needed morale into the community.

As well as the effects of the drought, there were significant lay-offs in the mining industry.

Training included three-day budget counselling for members; volunteer recruitment workshops, Regional President training and Disaster Recovery training.

Other achievements during the year included the formation of two Mini Vinnies groups; improved financial reporting for Conferences and Vinnies Centres; and the decision to recruit a Diocesan Retail Manager in the year ahead. The Diocese accepted people on government work-for-the-dole and mutual-obligation programs as volunteers in some Centres for the first time.

The Deniliquin Vinnies Centre was extended, and the Lightning Ridge Centre was forced to close due to structural concerns before reopening at another location. The old Vinnies Centre will undergo extensive remedial work and refurbishments during the coming year.


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 594


Conferences 11,119



WILCANNIA/FORBES DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 4

Conferences 18

Special Works 2


Vinnies Centres 15

Total Volunteers 726




04.9wilcannia/forbes diocese

Annual Report 2008-2009 31St Vincent de Paul Society NSWAnnual Report 2008-200930wollongong diocese04.10

The Wollongong Diocese remains an area of high need with a significant number of Special Works relating to homelessness and housing issues in operation. Surprisingly, the increase in demand for assistance due to the economic downturn was not as great as had been anticipated despite an increase in requests for assistance with the payments of utility bills and rent.

The areas of greatest need continued to be Campbelltown, Shoalhaven and Central Illawarra. The characteristics of home visitation changed during the year with the ongoing redevelopment of Campbelltown housing estates, where a great number of Conferences operate. The Society’s Animation team continued to work with Department of Housing residents in many of the housing estates, particularly those that are being redeveloped and residents relocated.

The Clemente program, which facilitates university study for older people and is run in conjunction with the Australian Catholic University, resulted in its first four graduates in June.”

“

The Clemente program, which facilitates university study for older people and is run in conjunction with the Australian Catholic University, resulted in its first four graduates in June. The Youth Activity program expanded into Kanahooka High School, where volunteers are involved in mentoring and breakfast clubs.

There was significant building activity within the Diocese with an extension to the Ulladulla Vinnies Centre finished in time for the busy Christmas period. The construction of a new Centre at Nowra is expected to be completed by late 2009. Updates at Macquarie Fields, Unanderra and Moss Vale Centres brought new enthusiasm for volunteers and customers.

Plans are underway to rebuild and renovate the Men’s Hostel at Nowra Farm and construction is expected to begin by the end of 2009.


MEMBERSHIP

ASSISTANCE


Special Works 17,740


Conferences 51,447



WOLLONGONG DIOCESE

Number of:

Regional Councils 6

Conferences 38

Special Works 20


Vinnies Centres 24





MATTHES TALBOT HOMELESS SERVICES

Matthew Talbot Homeless ServicesIn response to the Government’s White Paper on homelessness, ‘The Road Home’, published late in 2008, the Society’s Matthew Talbot Homeless Services implemented a range of strategies to contribute to preventing and reducing the risk of recurring homelessness. This approach continues to inform the service’s mission and priorities.

Overall, Mathew Talbot Homeless Services across NSW registered an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in 2008-2009 and an increase in the number of families facing homelessness for the first time. This group has become the new and emerging face of homelessness.

The Housing First model is a model under which homeless people move immediately from the streets into their own homes, as opposed via a series of crisis and outreach services. This model is expected to expand, and currently the Society is operating Housing First successfully around the state at Vinnies Deniliquin; Minto Housing and Mary’s Place.

Matthew Talbot HostelThe Matthew Talbot Hostel, in Woolloomooloo (State Council) is the largest hostel for homeless men in the Southern Hemisphere and the Society’s most recognized facility. During 2008-2009 there was a steady increase in demand for its 98 crisis accommodation beds and its day services, which include the provision of meals, clothing, health and personal care. Up to 600 men used these services each day. More than 35,600 men were assisted during the year.

Clients were assessed on arrival at the hostel and referred to a caseworker to establish a plan for crisis support and assistance from other agencies such as Centrelink, and housing, legal and mental health services as needed. Partnerships and cooperatives with a number of external agencies such as the City of Sydney Council, neighbourhood representative bodies, the area police command, counselling and legal services have been developed and formalised.

The community support team continued to explore a wide range of alternative community resettling options for the hostel’s clients, most of whom have complex needs and require a considerable level of support to manage a diverse range of issues including activities of daily living, guardianship, immigration and legal matters. Up to 80 clients were supported for the medium to long-term in a variety of community and private rental housing arrangements through the transitional housing and home-based programs.

On average 25 people sleep outside in the vicinity of the hostel and were visited, assisted and encouraged by hostel caseworkers in collaboration with the City of Sydney outreach service to engage in casework plans and accommodation offers. The hostel’s clinic provided a range of health care services to about 100 homeless men each day. These services included medical, psychiatric, optometry, and podiatry care. After discharge from hospital or release from prison, clients referred to the hostel for accommodation were reviewed by the clinic staff to ensure continuity of care and follow up services were provided.

Around 600 meals were served daily. Persistent drought conditions forced rising food costs and there was a significant decline in the number of food donations. In response, new opportunities for sourcing supplies were pursued and sharing relationships with other charitable organisations developed.

matthew talbot homeless services05



MATTHEW TALBOT HOMELESS SERVICES

matthew talbot homeless services:mens’ services

05.1Annual Report 2008-2009

The Ozanam Learning CentreThe Ozanam Learning Centre (State Council) adjacent to the Matthew Talbot Hostel, became operational in January 2009 following its official opening by the Prime Minster in November 2008.

Already, it has proved to be a significant empowering initiative to develop practical and social skills to help the clients move toward independent living and participation in the wider community.

Each weekday, about 130 men and women used the education and activities centre. Basic and advanced computer programs assisted clients in their search for work with resume preparation and interview skills. Opportunities for recreation and self-expression foster self-esteem and social integration, and included video production, music and recording, fabric and art therapy. These programs are available to clients and the local community and promote social interaction and understanding. The Ozanam Learning Centre is now a TAFE Outreach campus.

The Living Skills Program is recognised by Housing NSW as a supporting criterion for housing applications. Mental health and addiction support workshops, held weekly, were well attended.

Since the centre opened several clients have moved into their own homes and have begun paid employment or volunteer work with community organisations.

Frederic HouseFrederic House, Waterloo (State Council) a long-term care facility for 61 previously homeless men unable to live independently due to their medical needs, operated at full capacity throughout the year. The service receives funding from the Department of Health and Ageing and a NSW Health grant and employs 37 staff 24 hours a day including six registered nurses. Most of the clients have a mental illness, acquired brain injury or other cognitive disorder, complicated in many instances by substance abuse.

John Purcell HouseJohn Purcell House, Nowra (Wollongong Diocesan Council) provided short-term crisis accommodation for 131 men, and assisted 610 casual clients with referrals and other services. There was a change in the client base reported, with many more of the ’new poor’ - men who were facing homelessness for the first time. The focus of the year was on planning for the proposed redevelopment of the hostel, which is expected to come under even greater demand when a new jail is opened in Nowra in 2010-2011.

Jim da Silva FarmJim da Silva Farm, East Nowra (Wollongong Diocesan Council) provided supported medium-term accommodation in a farm environment. The farm has 10 beds for single adult men with significant mental health issues and associated addiction problems. The success of the farm’s community garden continued to grow, with it now the base for TAFE-accredited horticultural courses. These courses will be expanded in 2010 to include aqua-culture courses.

St Vincent de Paul HouseSt Vincent de Paul House, Coniston (Wollongong Diocesan Council) provided 160 single homeless men with crisis accommodation and outreach support. It provided more than 173,000 meals. The Big Issue promoted the establishment of a street soccer team in Wollongong to raise awareness of homelessness and promote healthy choices. A St Vincent de Paul House hostel worker applied to coach the team in his own time. One of the residents who joined quickly progressed from street, to local, to State, and then to the national team to play in the international street soccer championships held in Italy in September 2009. He now has independent accommodation, and is still receiving after-care from hostel workers.



Vince’s PlaceVince’s Place (part of Macarthur Ozanam Centre), Campbelltown (Wollongong Diocesan Council) offers short-term crisis accommodation for five adult men at one time. The service provides 24-hour support and operated at full capacity throughout the year.

Cardinal Freeman CentreCardinal Freeman Centre (part of the Parramatta Homeless Men’s Coalition) (State Council) is a rehabilitation service for homeless men which operated 16 beds, all of which were occupied throughout the year. Residents were required to attend the centre’s 12-week ‘Beyond the Link’ program, which taught practical and personal living. Almost 90 percent of former clients were able to live independently after leaving the centre.

St Jude’s RefugeSt Jude’s Refuge, Bankstown (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provides overnight accommodation for homeless men at minimal cost every night of the year. The service has 12 beds available for clients who are restricted to short to medium term stays to help them attend training, seek jobs or to find permanent accommodation. The service also operates two outreach properties with another eight beds for longer term housing for stays ranging from six months to two years. St Jude’s provided more than 7,200 meals and over 6000 bed nights in the year.

Edel Quinn HostelEdel Quinn Hostel, Wagga Wagga (State Council) provides 16 crisis beds and 20 outreach beds for single homeless men. Planning is currently underway for a major redevelopment of the service. A photographic exhibition featuring portraits of clients of the hostel, ‘13 Faces of Edel Quinn’ was exhibited in Wagga Wagga and Sydney, and will be shown at NSW Parliament House in the coming year.

Quamby HouseQuamby House, Albury, (State Council) provided 600 homeless men with crisis and transitional accommodation. The service changed its service practice to a full case work model, and increased the number of case workers. This resulted in much better client outcomes, and 48 men who passed through the service remained in the areas to live independently.

McCosker HouseMcCosker House, Port Macquarie (Lismore Diocesan Council) provided short-term accommodation for homeless men, women and children. Of the 289 clients who used the service during the year, 153 were children. A major refurbishment of one wing of the property increased the number of units available to seven.

Matthew Talbot CentreMathew Talbot Centre, Newcastle (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) opened eight crisis beds in June 2009, which were used to capacity through the year. The crisis beds complement the eight bed-sitters and three villas used for medium-term accommodation by mainly younger men with a history of drug or alcohol dependency.

Vinnies ServicesVinnies Services, Deniliquin (Wilcannia/Forbes Diocesan Council) operates an outreach model of intervention and service provision for homeless men, women and children. Its homelessness service worked with 393 mainly single-parent families, the majority of whom were headed by women, and which included a total of 299 children. It also provided assistance to 93 young people at risk of homelessness and their families within its early intervention Reconnect Program, and 30 through its mentoring program.

matthew talbot homeless services:mens’ services

05.1

Matthew Talbot Homeless Services offer a range of services designed to assist men and women address issues of alcohol and drug dependencies:

Freeman HouseFreeman House, Armidale (State Council) assisted 153 men and women who were seeking rehabilitation from drug and alcohol programs, or were homeless or at risk of homelessness. It experienced an increase in the call for its outreach services, and an increase in the number of women with children seeking assistance, who could not be accommodated but were referred on. Plans are underway to completely rebuild the premises.

MaryfieldsMaryfields, Campbelltown (Wollongong Diocesan Council) runs a 13-week day recovery program in alcohol, drugs and gambling. The service continually ran two concurrent groups within the program to meet the demand for the service during the year. It also initiated the running of groups with the local mental health sector and the Campbelltown correctional facility to meet the demand from this specific group. This year, 121 people completed the program.

Gambling HelpGambling Help, Baulkham Hills (State Council) commenced operating in July 2008, and was immediately in high demand. During the year, the number of counsellors increased to two psychologists and the service expanded to provide a service at Windsor one day per week. Currently the office space at Baulkham Hills is being upgraded to enable a private counselling and discreet office area. The service is funded by the NSW Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund until June 2012.

matthew talbot homeless services:addiction services

05.2’

’



Vincentian Village, now Vincentian HouseVincentian Village (State Council) offered supported crisis accommodation and medium-term transitional housing to families and single women who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. Vincentian Village is a one of the few services in Sydney to accommodate single fathers and their children. One hundred and forty clients were assisted during the year.

With support from caseworkers, one of the residents addressed 200 CEOs at the Society’s hugely successful CEO Sleepout in June 2009 at Luna Park. Consistent feedback from the CEOs was that hearing this personal story changed their perception of homelessness.

The year was highlighted by the construction of its replacement, to be known as Vincentian House, which opened in October 2009. In addition to trebling the numbers of beds, family units and support services, the Vincentian House team will offer an expanded range of homelessness prevention and follow up strategies including a health clinic and access to external support such as housing and legal services as well as promote a focus on education.

Marian Centre; St Louise Lodge; Marian Villa; Amelie House; Claffy HouseMarian Centre (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) is the largest women’s and children’s refuge in the southern hemisphere and provided accommodation and outreach services for 130 women and 219 children escaping domestic violence. It is one of five refuges for women and children escaping domestic violence in the Sydney Archdiocese. Other women’s refuges in Sydney Archdiocese are: St Louise Lodge (which assisted 50 women and children), Marian Villa (74), Amelie House (66) and Claffy House (83).

Macarthur Ozanam Centre: Vinchez Family Refuge, Allambie HousingMacarthur Ozanam Centre, Campbelltown (Wollongong Diocesan Council) incorporates a refuge for women and children, a refuge for single men and six two-bedroom units for fathers with accompanying children. The Centre has a Family Centre with child care workers and accommodated 218 adults and 123 children over the year. Vinchez Family Refuge, for women and children, altered its accommodation arrangement to be able to cater for mothers with four to five children, an increasing demand. Allambie Housing for fathers with accompanying children, relocated its office to allow the service to provide an additional two-bedroom unit for a single father.

PathwaysPathways, Moss Vale (Wollongong Diocesan Council) offered financial assistance and accommodation to 86 women and 167 children facing homelessness, including those escaping domestic violence. The service operates four properties providing crisis to medium-term accommodation.

Our Lady of the WayOur Lady of the Way, Western Sydney (State Council) provided accommodation to older women, aged over 60, escaping domestic violence or elder abuse. The refuge was closed for two months while it underwent renovation and refurbishment. Since its reopening it is now staffed around the clock, which means it is able to take clients with a higher level of needs. New programs, offering recreational and educational activities, were also commenced.

Mary’s PlaceMary’s Place, Western Sydney (State Council) is an outreach service for single women and women with children escaping domestic violence. It operates eight ‘exit’ houses in the areas, which accommodated 15 women and 27 children over the year. Its multi-cultural intensive outreach support assisted women with wide-ranging needs including court support, counselling and advocacy.

Vinnies Youth HousingVinnies Youth Housing Macarthur, Picton (Wollongong Diocesan Council) has properties throughout the three local government areas within the Macarthur Region. The service provided semi-supported accommodation for 158 young men and women, aged 16 to 21, and sole parents up to age 24.

matthew talbot homeless services:family services

05.3Annual Report 2008-2009

’


vinnies centres06The 246 Vinnies Centres (shops) across NSW continue to be the public face of the St Vincent de Paul Society, best known and loved by the community as a retail outlet. However, Vinnies Centres are also a vital first point of contact for people seeking assistance, although in a small number of areas separate referral centres have taken over this role.

Sales from Vinnies Centres generated $52.2 million in 2008-2009 to support the Society’s good works. This compares to just under $47 million the year before. As well as selling quality goods at reasonable prices to the public, Vinnies Centres distribute clothing and household goods directly to people experiencing disadvantage. Centres play a pivotal role in the communities in which they serve, evidenced by a high level of local and media interest, particularly in rural and regional areas, whenever a Vinnies Centre is relocated or refurbished.

A priority during the year was the continuation of the ongoing upgrade of Vinnies Centres, with both the refit and refurbishment of existing Centres across the State, and the opening of five new ones in Sydney Archiocese at Caringbah, Wetherill Park, Fairfield, Miller and Auburn. Two new Centres were opened in Parramatta Diocese, at Penrith and at Baulkham Hills, and immediately experienced very high turnover. The Gosford Centre underwent complete reconstruction after the site was redeveloped. The new 11-story building, which opened in November 2009, includes the Vinnies Centre, regional office, client referral and budget counselling rooms.

A focus on recycling continues at Centres across the State. The Matthew Talbot Clothing and Recycling Centre at Goonellabah, which supports the collection, sorting and export of seconds-quality clothing, processed approximately 140 tonnes a month last year. During 2009-2010 this recycling centre will be increased in size by 80 percent, following the purchase of adjacent land, an indication of the increasing quantity of goods for process.

A new State Vinnies Centres Board has been established to oversee Vinnies Centres state-wide operation.

VINNIES CENTRES


migrants & refugees07 The Migrant and Refugee Team provided services and assistance to hundreds

of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants settling in Australia; and continued to advocate on their behalf. The team supported the work of members by providing up-to-date information and guidance on the issues affecting this group.

The global economic downturn particularly impacted asylum seekers and people on skilled migration visas. Asylum seekers found it increasingly difficult to support one another or find work, due to an increasing waiting list for the Vinnies Asylum Seeker Allowance.

The team supported a significant number of asylum seekers in the first six months who had applied for protection following World Youth Day. All of these young people have now successfully moved on, many of them to a new life in Australia.

In this coming financial year, an information pack for members will be circulated and an employment volunteer has been brought into the Migrant and Refugee Team team to assist VASA clients obtain employment, hopefully shortening the waiting times.

The global economic downturn particularly impacted asylum seekers and people on skilled migration visas.”

“

MIGRANTS & REFUGEES

VASA: Vinnies Asylum Seeker Allowance ProgramThe Vinnies Asylum Seeker Allowance Program (State Council) which provides an allowance to asylum seekers on bridging visas, assisted 84 asylum seekers who had no access to income. This program not only supports clients while they are seeking protection, but also takes the pressure from local Conferences that are often supporting asylum seekers with limited resources. The program, which ran as a pilot in 2006-2007 is now fully funded, with operational policies and procedures.

Special Purposes FundThe Special Purposes Fund (State Council) which provides ad hoc one-off assistance to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, is now also fully funded with operational policies and procedures in place. It assisted 176 clients with white goods, emergency accommodation, fares and work-related expenses.



Riverina Integrated Humanitarian Settlement StrategyRiverina Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy, Wagga Wagga (Wagga Wagga Diocesan Council) is a Department of Immigration and Citizenship program which provides intensive settlement services for newly arrived refugees. The Riverina IHSS Consortium service provider (St Vincent de Paul Society, Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and Centacare) welcomed a total of 38 families and 126 individuals from Liberia, Ethiopia, Burundi, Congo, Sudan, Togo and Bhutan. The main settlement areas this year were Albury and Wodonga, but families were also resettled in Wagga Wagga and Griffith.

Migrant and Refugee Special WorkThe Migrant and Refugee Special Work (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) continued to offer the following programs:

Home Visitation: for migrant and refugee families and individuals in need of assistance, including referral and advocacy if required

Sports for Refugees: financial assistance for families with young school-aged refugee children to enable them to join local sports clubs

Text Books for Refugees: the provision of text books or school-related expenses for refugee families who cannot afford them.

Coffs Harbour Refugee Support ServiceThe Coffs Harbour Refugee Support Service, (State Council) was granted two years’ additional funding under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Settlement Grants Program. This funding also included an expansion of the service into the whole of the North Coast of NSW. This will mean that a new worker, based in the Lismore Diocesan office, will be employed to work in Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads.

The service is a Department of Immigration and Citizenship-funded program. It assists newly arrived migrant and humanitarian communities to become self reliant, to participate in the broader community, and to develop a shared purpose and a sense of identity and belonging. This year, it assisted 222 people/families from Sudan, Burma, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Liberia, Burma, Togo, Philippines, Uganda, El Salvador, Fiji, India and Thailand. Five information forums were held on subjects including understanding legal rights and responsibilities, housing, local sports and citizenship.

Coffs Harbour Refugee DrivingCoffs Harbour Refugee Driving (Lismore Diocesan Council) offered 10 professional driving lessons to refugees in order to increase their independence and employment options. Twenty-six people gained their licence as a result.

Coffs Harbour Education AssistanceCoffs Harbour Education Assistance (Lismore Diocesan Council) provided free lessons through an external education based-organisation to 22 refugee children in high school who need additional assistance to keep up with their classmates.

Eastern Suburbs Migrant and Refugee CommitteeThe Eastern Suburbs Migrant and Refugee Committee (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provided accommodation for 35 people last year at its two properties in Randwick and Bondi. Clients stayed for an average of 6.5 months and all but six were asylum seekers.

Learn Your Ls Learn Your Ls, Parramatta (State Council) program assisted 45 migrants and refugees to obtain their driving licence in order to gain employment.

MIGRANTS & REFUGEES

The SPARK (St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids) program, which facilitates the settlement of refugee families and their children through educational, social and cultural programs, developed significantly during the year. SPARK focuses on providing support early in the refugee child’s time in Australia in order to maximise their capacity to engage fully in Australian life.

In June, the program was acknowledged as ‘The Best Local Project Supporting Refugees’ at the Refugee Humanitarian Awards held by the Refugee Council of Australia and STARTTS (Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors).

The number of schools and participants involved in the program continued to increase. Two new schools came on board, bringing the total to six; two in Sydney Archdiocese and four in Parramatta Diocese. On average, 160 primary school students from mainly African refugee backgrounds attended each week.

SPARK trained 312 volunteers during the year, more than doubling the number of trained community volunteers assisting with the program. As a result, it was able to achieve a one-to-one ratio most weeks at each of the six schools. SPARK volunteers come from a diverse range of experiences, backgrounds, and ages. Four volunteer forums were held to further develop their skills and knowledge.

Two major community forums were held during the year in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn and reflected the strong partnerships formed with other services, as well as links with refugee communities. Out of these forums the report ’A Place to Call Home’ was produced with the Catholic Education Office, Sydney to examine the housing and education issues facing refugees from Africa living in this area of Sydney. The report has been submitted to the Australian Human Rights Commission in response to their discussion paper on human rights and social inclusion issues for African Australians.

SPARK is fun because you get help for homework and the hard parts in it and get to play games that are fun. I enjoy it.”

“

SPARK07.1

migrants & refugees07


OVERSEAS PARTNERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT: TWINNING AND ASSIST A STUDENT

overseas partnership and development08


The Overseas Partnership and Development Committee is responsible for administering the Society’s assistance to certain overseas countries. This assistance takes the form of Twinning, and Assist a Student and reflects the fact the Society is a worldwide community.

TwinningTwinning is a partnership between an Australian Conference and a Conference in one of six developing countries: India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Fiji. Conference members share spirituality, friendship, correspondence and resources. Each year the Australian Conference provide $320 in ‘twinning funds’ to their twin. In 2008-2009 a total of $314,640 twinning funds were paid, broken down as Fiji, $7,360; India, $192,000; Indonesia, $58,880; Pakistan, $19,840; Philippines, $10,160 and Thailand, $26,400.

Further Christmas and Easter donations of $58,970 were made: India $24,724; Indonesia $7,586; Thailand, $11,555; Fiji $2,450; Philippines $400; Pakistan $1,600; and Thailand $10,655.

Another $41,148 in project funds was distributed to twinned Conferences. The projects funded targeted specific projects to the value of less than $2,000, and included the provision of goats, cows and poultry, the construction of homes and shelters, the construction of lavatories, the purchase of sewing machines, the provision of school meals, water tanks and the provision of no interest loans to establish or maintain small businesses. Developmental projects to provide technical skills through education and training, or to support small enterprises in areas such as garment making, fishing, and food production through farming were also funded. Project funds distributed included: Thailand, $8,530; India, $31,694; and Indonesia, $924.

A total of $6,160 Council-to-Council grants were made, $3,480 to Indonesia and $2,680 to the Philippines.

“Most of the families under the Conference are utterly poor. If they get a pair of goats it will help them to a tiny extent. We intend to supply a pair of goats and let them grow to breed more. The first two kids will be returned to the Conference and they may be supplied to a new family. Thus it will continue a chain of supply pairs of goat to a great period.” - Application from India for a project to assist 15 families

Assist a StudentThe Assist a Student program provides the opportunity to educate a student from one of the Society’s twinned countries for one year. Throughout partner countries, local Society members select students from families in need to be supported by the program. The program includes students at all levels, from primary, secondary and post-secondary.

Each scholarship is worth $70 and donations are received from Conference members and the general public. A Certificate of Appreciation is issued containing the student’s name, country and course of study. A total of $62,230 was remitted overseas for Assist a Student scholarships for the 2008-2009 year.

In India a total of 429 students received $30,030 in scholarship funds; in Papua New Guinea 240 students were assisted ($16,800); Indonesia 116 students ($8,120); Fiji 73 students ($5,110); Kiribati 19 students ($1,330); Philippines six students ($420); Myanmar three students ($210); and Pakistan three students ($210).


Disability services: vocationalOzanam Industries, West Ryde, Stanmore Castlereagh Industries, CoonambleThe St Vincent de Paul Society’s Disability Services Vocational (State Council) comprises three Supported Employment Services: Ozanam Industries West Ryde; Ozanam Industries Stanmore; and Castlereagh Industries Coonamble. These services are committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment.

The Centres employ a total of 100 people with disabilities who perform a range of tasks. At Ozanam Industries these include database management and mail fulfillment and clients include Westpac Limited, Acer Computer Australia, Commonwealth Bank, Goodman Fielder, SC Johnson and Son, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, 3M Australia and others.

This year the services fulfilled an extensive range of contracts that also included the assembly of show bags and folders for seminars, packaging of nuts, bolts and fasteners and all types of labelling. It produced more

These services are committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with the meaningful employment.”

“

Disability services: housingGreene Villa, CoonambleGreene Villa, Coonamble (Bathurst Diocesan Council) provides housing for six long-term full-time and one part-time resident with intellectual or physical disabilities. Residents take active participation in supported community activities, and four of the residents again attended the Tri State Games, for athletes with a disability from regional areas. This year all the residents travelled to the Gold Coast for an annual holiday.

disability services09

DISABILITY SERVICES


than one million Hosts, or altar breads, for World Youth Day, as well as tens of thousands others for distribution to Catholic Churches around Australia.

At Castlereagh Industries the focus was on textile recycling, commercial laundry and car washing.

The global financial crisis created a challenging year for the services. With companies downsizing, moving offshore and reducing marketing budgets, incoming business began to fall, a trend offset to some extent by successful innovative marketing strategies to secure new business. The vocational disability services adapted to the economic climate with a determination to ride it out. While there was no threat to employees, some picked up on the employment uncertainty in the wider community and expressed anxiety, especially during quieter times.

The premises at Stanmore will undergo a major revamp during 2009-2010 to enable increased business opportunities in more appropriate facilities.


The Society’s commitment to supporting people with mental illness was highlighted primarily by the continuation of its Compeer program, the work of Mary MacKillop Outreach, and its role in addressing mental health issues in rural and regional Australia.

Mental Health: Rural AreasVinnies was represented on the NSW Farmers Mental Health Task Force, at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health in Orange.

During the year, the DVD ‘Mate Helping Mate’, about depression, was expanded, and was endorsed by Beyond Blue, including a message from its founding chairman Jeff Kennett and the Ambassador to the Holy See and former leader of the National Party, Tim Fischer. The Society has distributed 10,000 of the DVDs which were recognised among workers in drought relief and government departments as one of most effective initiatives in dealing with social isolation and depression in rural areas.

Mary MacKillop OutreachMary MacKillop Outreach (MMO), Lewisham (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provides social, educational, recreational and prevocational programs for people who have a mental illness and/or disability, many of whom reside in licensed boarding houses and group homes in Sydney’s inner west. During the year, MMO provided services to 173 clients, with an increasing number of people with high support needs receiving individualised service programs. An

mental health10

MENTAL HEALTH


average of 30 to 40 persons attended programs daily with 15 to 20 going on bus outings and a similar number participating in activities on site.

Another initiative of MMO was the Men’s Shed. This was an innovative series of manual arts projects run with the assistance of retired male volunteers and aimed at assimilating persons with a mental illness/disability into mainstream men’s social and activity groups. Since its inception, this program has been generously supported by Ashfield Council and valuable contributions from over 250 volunteers. One of these projects was the manufacture of 640,000 small wooden crosses which were distributed to pilgrims during World Youth Day.

Leisure centresIn addition to the service provided by Mary MacKillop Outreach, the Society runs two social/recreational day programs in the Illawarra and Sutherland Shire at Como in conjunction with the respective Local Area Health Services. These leisure centres for people in the community living with a mental health issue each operate two days per week with 40 to 50 people attending each session.


CompeerCompeer is a mental health friendship program which matches people living with a mental illness with a volunteer friend of the same gender.

The three programs in Sydney continued to grow with the number of friendship matches increasing from 135 to 170. This is the third consecutive year the program has grown by 25 per cent. A further 90 volunteers were trained; 79 of whom were matched with a friend. The number of friend applications almost doubled, from 60 to 117, due to better promotion within the mental health sector. Volunteers generously gave almost 7,000 hours of their time to the program.

A new initiative for the Sydney programs during the year was Compeer Yarning, a craft and chat afternoon introduced at Blacktown and Lewisham. Compeer Scrapbooking will also be introduced at Chatswood. In September 2008 the Sydney coordinator presented a paper on Compeer and the value of friendship at The MHS conference in Auckland, New Zealand, reinforcing the promotion of the scheme through briefings to mental health services, internet recruitment, and media.

Compeer programs in regional areas remained largely stable and continued to provide an invaluable service to isolated people living with a mental illness in their local communities.

A highlight for Compeer Illawarra-Shoalhaven, which celebrates 10 years of matching friends in late 2009, was the realisation of a shared dream by a friendship pair with a mutual interest in painting. They held an art exhibition of their work, illustrating the power of friendship to the local community and media. In partnership with the South Eastern Sydney & Illawarra Area Health Service, Compeer Illawarra runs a social recreation program twice a week which was attended by 34 people.

Compeer Macarthur-Wingecaribee achieved a rise in referrals and numbers of matched friendships. Donated office space in Mittagong also lead to a greater presence in the Wingecaribee area. Compeer Macarthur and Illawarra work

closely together and in mid 2008 co-hosted a daytime music and dance festival in Bowral, which extended the social networks for those involved in Compeer.

Since recommencing in July 2008, Compeer Albury has trained 11 volunteers and accepted six friends into the program. Compeer Griffith initiated an ‘Over the Pond’ pen pal arrangement between an Australian friend and an American volunteer, and plans to introduce Compeer Tai Chi and health/budget-conscious cooking classes as social activities in the second half of 2009.

Priorities for 2009-2010 include further expansion into south and south-western Sydney and the opening of a program in the Newcastle area.

Compeer programs run in 2008-2009 were: Compeer Blacktown Compeer Chatswood Compeer Lewisham Compeer Illawarra-Shoalhaven Compeer Macarthur-Wingecarribee Wagga Wagga Diocesan Council Compeer Albury Compeer Griffith

MENTAL HEALTH

My world had fallen apart and I felt deserted. My Compeer volunteer was a suddenlight in a seemingly endless dark tunnel.” Compeer friend

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The year was marked by three significant natural disasters in NSW; the mid-North Coast and the Northern Rivers floods in May and the Coffs Harbour floods in March. The role of the Society’s Disaster Recovery team under the State Government’s Disaster Plan was to provide welfare assistance to the thousands of residents affected. The Society met the immediate needs of those at the evacuation centres by providing them with bedding, blankets, clothing and toiletries. As part of the coordination, the team attended the community meetings, emergency management meetings and official debriefs associated with the floods.

During the year, the Disaster Recovery team held training for volunteers at Hornsby, Nowra, Broken Hill, Gunnedah, Moree, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Narranderra, Dapto, Bowral and Sutherland. It held Community Partners Disaster Recovery team leadership training at 13 locations across the State: Nowra, Maitland, Sydney, Gosford, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, Queanbeyan, Dubbo, Bathurst and Penrith. These days provided important uniform and consistent training and information dissemination for the Society’s other agency partners in disaster relief, including the Department of Community Services, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, ADRA and Anglicare.

A focus of the year was on strategic planning to overcome issues such as the location of emergency equipment and to improve response times.

The Society also supported its colleagues in Victoria and Queensland during the devastating fires and floods.

DISASTER RECOVERY

Rural Task ForceThe Rural Task Force operated against the backdrop of severe drought across much of NSW, with around 60 percent of NSW having been declared as experiencing Drought Exceptional Circumstances by the Federal Government. The Task Force assisted people affected, both on and off-farm, with household bills, including water and electricity, car insurance and registration, school uniforms, support in dealing with utility companies, and other small grants for individual circumstances.

The Society’s Rural Task Force travelled to Ulladulla, Berrigan, Wingham and Coonabarabran to meet with business operators and visit farmers in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the specific needs of different areas. During these visits, the Task Force held information stalls in the town, outside Vinnies Centres to raise awareness of the Task Force’s role.

A Rural Task Force Conference was established in Krambach, to carry out farm visitation in another area severely affected by the drought.

The ‘Mate Helping Mate’ DVD, addressing the issues of depression and isolation in rural areas, continued to be a key support tool in helping farmers and rural residents identify and manage mental illness. The Task Force identified a sharp increase in the need for assistance in an area when the Government’s official declaration of Drought Exceptional Circumstances was lifted, meaning the cessation of certain crisis government grants.

The situation will remain dire in the coming financial year. Without several years of good rains the widespread need for the Society’s assistance in rural NSW will not diminish.


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The St Vincent de Paul Society works in many ways to ensure that the most basic of human rights, that of food, is provided to all Australians. As well as the tens of thousands of meals served across the State each day at homeless services, refuges, care and support centres and other services, the Society also has a number of food-specific Special Works.

Night Patrol servicesThe Society operated its Night Patrol services, in inner-city Sydney (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) and its Vinnies Vans in Liverpool and Parramatta (Parramatta Diocesan Council). These services dispensed food and hot drinks, and more importantly, companionship to the homeless living on our streets. Last year the Night Patrol services assisted more than 56,000 people in the inner-city, almost 7,500 people in Liverpool and 5,854 people in Parramatta.

Vinnies Van and Vinnies CafeVinnies Van and Vinnies Cafe, Orange (Bathurst Diocesan Council) served more than 2000 meals including 5,472 sandwiches from the van which visits five locations twice a week. The cafe served hot meals at the senior citizens’ hall to about 40 people a time, once a fortnight.

Sydney FoodbankSydney Archdiocese operates a Foodbank which purchases food in bulk at wholesale prices and resells the food to other operations of the Society as well as other charities at cost. Last year Foodbank distributed $1.3 million worth of foodstuffs across NSW. Two other smaller foodbanks are operated by Parramatta Diocese in the Blue Mountains.

Breakfast ClubBreakfast Club (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) runs a breakfast program at St Joseph’s Primary School at East Maitland. It provided cereal, toast and fruit each school day to about 60 students who would otherwise go to school hungry.

Bishop Fox Meal CentreBishop Fox Meal Centre, Broken Hill (Wilcannia/Forbes Diocesan Council) provided a hot meal, even on some public holidays, for nominal or no cost to approximately 30 people a day who are severely disadvantaged, socially isolated or living in boarding houses.

NightcareNightcare (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) operates a van at Gateshead every Sunday evening, and on average about 60 people turned up for a sausage sandwich, a drink, and the feeling of community in this disadvantaged area.

St Mary’s Mum ShirlSt Mary’s Mum Shirl (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) is a small Special Work that provides $700 worth of food cards each month for distribution to Aboriginal people by the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Alexandria.

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FOOD SERVICES


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The St Vincent de Paul Society runs a range of Special Works that are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and families and the communities in which they live. Many of these services fill in the gaps in people’s lives in various ways whether it is through the provision of food, funds, companionships or counselling. They help ease the pressures within families and communities, which rose during the year due to the economic downturn and the resulting rise in unemployment.

Temporary HousingTemporary Housing, Brookvale (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) operates three properties in Dee Why and Narraweena, Sydney, which it leases to disadvantaged individuals and families recommended by Conferences, at substantially reduced rent. Residents attend financial counselling and are assisted in becoming financially able to re-enter the mainstream housing market. Fifteen people were accommodated.

Angela HousesAngela Houses, Banora Point and Pottsville (Lismore Diocesan Council) provided affordable housing in one four-bedroom house, and two two-bedroom units, for up to a year for families who were struggling.

St Canice’s Respite HouseSt Canice’s Respite House, Goonellabah (Lismore Diocesan Council) provided accommodation for two families during the year at a reduced rent. The families, referred by Conferences, were able to stay for between three and 12 months as a respite from the pressures of the private rental market.

St Vincent’s VillasSt Vincent’s Villas, Gosford (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) are five single self-care units occupied full-time on a licence agreement. Residents have independent living status and a volunteer manager oversees maintenance and collection of fees.

Margaret HouseMargaret House, Gymea (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provided respite care to the carers of children and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. In total, 81 children and adults with a disability were provided with quality overnight accommodation and recreational activities.

Holiday Accomodation: Tom McGee Memorial Holiday Flats; Mollymook Holiday Flats; Amelie Lodge and MacKillop LodgeThe Society has a number of properties used as holiday accommodation for disadvantaged families and individuals. These are; Tom McGee Memorial Holiday Flats and Mollymook Holiday Flats in the Wollongong Diocese, and Amelie Lodge, Woolgoolga, and MacKillop Lodge, Northhaven in the Lismore Diocese. These properties provide a much-needed circuit breaker and rest for people under enormous stress, who were unable to afford any sort of holiday.

Takari UnitsTakari Units, Forster (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) provides three three-bedroom villas for temporary accommodation which were almost fully occupied all year round. Tenants are encouraged to save for a bond and are assisted to apply for housing in the private rental market. Bessie’s Place is a unit in an over 55s village that is leased on a permanent basis.

FAMILY SERVICES

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Annual Report 2008-2009 61St Vincent de Paul Society NSWAnnual Report 2008-200960

While the Society no longer runs residential aged care facilities, it has a number of Special Works in the State that provide independent living accommodation for some seniors.

Charles O’Neill and MarillacCharles O’Neill and Marilac, Albury (Wagga Wagga Diocesan Council) are two separate premises that provide a total of 19 self-care units for people, including the aged.

Allambie CourtAllambie Court, Coonabarabran (Bathurst Diocesan Council) provides 13 residential units on weekly rentals for aged pensioners. The residents are permanent, and care for the gardens themselves, although volunteers now mow the lawns.

Jacinta VillageJacinta Villa, Bexley (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) is an independent living aged facility that provides accommodation for 11 permanent residents.

Mt St Vincent VillageMount St Vincent Village, Cronulla (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) is an independent living facility for people on low incomes that provides accommodation for up to 26 permanent residents.

Village CourtVillage Court, Lewisham (State Council) provides self care accommodation for elderly residents in 26 units adjacent to the State Council premises. A proportion of the units are rented to concessional tenants, and the remainder have been sold under licence-to-occupy arrangements. The units remained fully occupied, with a long waiting list.

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FAMILY SERVICES


Care and Assitance CentreCare and Assistance Centre, Lewisham (State Council) offered care and financial assistance to almost 3000 homeless or disadvantaged people who accessed its services. These included the provision of basic food supplies, help with transport and pharmacy costs, rent assistance and referral to Conferences. The Centre also provided hot pies and coffee, and someone to talk to.

Nagle Family Care and Support CentreThe Nagle Family Care and Support Centre, Campbelltown (Wollongong Diocesan Council) assisted more than 10,000 people through its wide range of services including meals, emergency food provision, advocacy, case management, literacy and numeracy education, kids’ camps and psychotherapy. A large number of those who accessed the centre had either been in prison, or had a family member who was, or had been.

The Centre received outstanding results with its Clemente program, a partnership between the Society and the Australian Catholic University, that helps disadvantaged people access university education. Four students graduated from the program during the year, and it has begun another semester with 21 students participating. The Centre also extended its hours, with more than 50 people attending its weekly evening meal.

Rosalie’s GardenRosalie’s Garden, Woy Woy (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) provides a complex and flexible range of services for people, and has seen a sharp rise in clients as word of its work has spread. It operates as a drop-in centre, and provides services including counselling, budget counselling, referrals, and legal support. Women and their children escaping domestic violence, often housed in nearby hotels and motels, use the Centre as their home during the day. It assisted more than 120 people, and saw a rise in the number of families affected by unemployment.

Louise HouseLouise House, Gorokan (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) offered a range of services to more than 300 adults, who had responsibility for a total of 249 children, facing disadvantage. Services included simple hospitality in the form of a cuppa and chat, referral, budget and financial counselling, grief counselling, cooking, craft and a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Micah HouseMicah House, Wagga Wagga (Wagga Wagga Diocesan Council) offers care and support to the socially isolated and other disadvantaged men, women and children. It provided more than 8000 meals, including breakfast and hot lunches, and at least 250 people used its services each week. These included access to computers and laundry facilities. There was a marked increase in the number presenting for meals of two-parent families in which the breadwinner had recently lost their job.

The Cleveland CentreThe Cleveland Centre, Redfern (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provided counselling services covering a range of issues such as domestic violence, loss & grief, anger and drug and alcohol abuse. The programs offered included a ‘Family Safety Program’ for men who had been abusive in their personal relationships, conflict resolution and anger management for women and a women’s self-focus group to improve their self esteem and quality of life. This service assisted 285 people through these programs last year.

Cessnock Care and Support CottagesCessnock Care and Support Cottages (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) comprise two properties: a three-bedroom house for medium-term emergency accommodation for disadvantaged families which under went substantial renovation during the year; and a small cottage used by the Cessnock Conference to offer services such as budget counselling and living skills.

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FAMILY SERVICES

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Caroline Chisholm CentreCaroline Chisholm Centre, Emerton (State Council) is a care and support centre that offers an extensive range of services including counselling, courses in anger management and parenting skills, and support with legal aid, probation and parole, housing and employment. The Centre experienced a marked increase in the number of people needing assistance. This was 6,394 up from 5,087 the year before and was attributed to rising unemployment and increasing living costs.

Margaret Druitt Day Care CentreMargaret Druitt Day Care Centre, Emerton (State Council) provides long day-care for 90 children, aged between two and five, predominantly from low income and disadvantaged families. Children are provided with a strong developmental curriculum and with up to three hot meals and two snacks a day. The centre is staffed by early education teachers, childcare workers and a speech therapist. This year staff at the centre continued to provide a safe environment where children could play, learn and develop. In partnership with families, the staff nurtured development in the children through sensitive guidance, professional support and extensive opportunities for play.

St Joseph’s WorkshopAt St Joseph’s Workshop, West Gosford (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) each weekday a group of retired men, and one woman, get together at St Joseph’s Workshop, West Gosford, to make items for their community. Some are sold in Vinnies Centres, but most are distributed to the disadvantaged, including people who have suffered a catastrophe such a fire, flood or robbery. Thirty-five volunteers from all walks of life give up their time to produce the high quality goods that include chests of drawers, children’s table and chairs, clothes racks, rocking horses, toys and garden pieces. This year the volunteers made all 27 modules of shelving for the new regional building. In the past year, the workshop produced 1100 items, and since 2003 has made almost 8000 pieces of furniture and 86,000 World Youth Day crosses.

The Vincentian Social Action CentreThe Vincentian Social Action Centre (Wollongong Diocesan Council) is located in two Centres; Warrawong and Campbelltown. Its staff connects with the local community and Vincentians in a variety of ways, including supporting the building of strong communities, providing community education and training, supporting advocacy on a range of issues, and working with public housing activists. The Centre’s programs include:

• Animation project For 10 years, the centre’s Animation project, based in Campbelltown, has provided support by way of community action for residents in public housing in the Campbelltown region - Claymore, Minto, Airds/Bradbury and Macquarie Fields - some of the most socially disadvantaged areas in Australia. The model of the broad-acre housing estate has thrown up significant social problems, and these problems can mask the many positives and potential of the residents who live there.

In November, the Animation Project, worked along side Deaf Heal’f to document stories from members of the deaf community in the Campbelltown region. The launch of ‘Ghost Stories: Remembering Campbelltown Deaf Community 1979-2009’ was preceded by a story-telling festival at the Campbelltown Arts Centre attended by about 150 members of the deaf community.

• Claymore Community Laundromat and Coffee ShopThe Claymore Community Laundromat and Coffee Shop which was originally established in response to a survey that found 40 per cent of residents did not have a working washing machine, was used by almost 600 people during the year.

• Kalon House of WelcomeKalon House of Welcome served almost 800 meals at its regular community luncheons. All new Claymore residents are welcomed to the area by Kalon House, which as full-time community worker.

Hunter HomelessHunter Homeless (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) provided an on-site cabin at the Coachstop Caravan Park for the use of a visiting medical team and support workers from Centrelink, NSW Housing and other community services. Volunteers attend the park each fortnight, providing food, clothing, phone cards or other assistance as required.family services: community services

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FAMILY SERVICES


Budget Counselling(Broken Bay, Bathurst, Parramatta, Matiland/Newcastle Diocesan Councils and Sydney Archdiocesan Council)

During the year, 69 members and volunteers across NSW became accredited Budget Counsellors after undergoing training conducted by the Society’s Learning Services. This number is expected to increase substantially during 2009-2010 as the need for budget counselling, and its strategies for long-term domestic financial viability increases in line with rising unemployment and living costs. Budget counselling training includes education in such areas as the nature of poverty, money planning, case studies, and policy and procedures.

The numbers of participants by Diocese was: Broken Bay 17; Bathurst 11; Parramatta 3; Sydney Archdiocese 11; and Maitland/Newcastle 27.

NILS, No Interest Loan SchemesNILS (No Interest Loan Schemes) was operated by Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Broken Bay and Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Councils during 2009-2010, providing no-interest loans of up to $1000 to disadvantaged people to buy white goods. NILS services were centred in Wagga, Corrimal, Chatswood, Brookvale, and in Newcastle, where they operate in partnership with the Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar. NILS is expected to expand during 2009-2010.

Financial CounsellingFinancial Counselling services are provided by an accredited Financial Counsellor by the Sydney Archdiocesan Council to assist clients with more complex financial problems. Clients are referred by Conferences and Client Support Officers in Regional offices and interviews are by appointment only.

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FAMILY SERVICES


The St Vincent de Paul Society provides a range of programs for young people to address specific needs across the State.

Youth ReachYouth Reach, Brookvale (Broken Bay Diocesan Council) moved into new purpose-built premises, enabling it to expand its programs and provide new services for young people aged between 13 and 25. It became the model facility for youth on the Northern Beaches with its graffitti space, gymnasium, computer rooms and pool tables. It offers a range of life skills and educational programs for young people in crisis, equipping them to take control of their lives in a positive way.

Rendu Youth Rendu Youth (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) provided post-rehabilitation support to 22 young men who had completed a minimum three-month course to overcome drug, alcohol and/or gambling problems. It supported them with accommodation and case management and ran 11 outreach beds.

Xavier HouseXavier House, Stanmore (Sydney Archdiocesan Council) is a boarding house for young men from country areas who are studying or doing an apprenticeship. This year 28 people were accommodated through the service.

Vinnies LodgeVinnies Lodge, Tighes Hill (Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council) provides an 11-bedroom, self-catering accommodation to tertiary students from rural NSW.

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69St Vincent de Paul Society NSW


The Youth and Young Adult Teams run programs to facilitate young people’s involvement in the Society. As well as enabling members and volunteers to work in programs run by the youth teams, they also refer young people to other programs such as SPARK, Compeer and Night Patrol.

The year began with their key role in World Youth Day in July, including the International Youth Gathering in Sydney and the Vinnies World Youth 4 Justice concert at Barrangaroo. A post-Word Youth Day retreat was one of four retreat and reflection programs for young people of all ages run by the Vinnies Youth Team during the year.

Kids Camps continued to be one of the most popular programs run by Vinnies Youth volunteers. Fifteen of these residential programs, run in Broken Bay, Lismore, Wagga Wagga and Maitland/Newcastle Dioceses, to provide a fun break for disadvantaged children and a welcome respite for their parents and carers, were held during the year. They ranged in duration from a weekend to five days.

One of the strongest and most widely run Vinnies Youth programs in NSW continues to be the Buddies Days held in Parramatta, Sydney, Lismore, Maitland Newcastle, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga Dioceses and, for the first time, in the Bathurst Diocese. Around 30 Buddies Days were run by trained young adult and high school volunteers to provide a fun day out for disadvantaged children

The number of Mini Vinnies Primary School Conferences grew to 83 this year, with more than 2000 members across NSW working through the Mini Vinnies Spirituality Guide resource. This year the first groups from the Wilcannia Forbes Diocese were formed. A major achievement was the development of a range of resource materials for Mini Vinnies, and also High School and Young Adult Conferences.

McCarthy Catholic College in Armidale, one of the 64 High School Conferences, ran a Vinnies Formation Camp. These weekends are offered around the state, giving students access to workshops on issues of social justice, a deeper understanding of Vincentian spirituality.

The Vinnies Youth teams ran four retreat and reflection programs for young people of all ages, including post-World Youth Day.

The Broken Bay Youth Office has started a relationship with the Edmund Rice ‘Lets Talk’ Indigenous Immersion programs in Western NSW. Already Vinnies Youth members have been involved in two immersion programs and there are plans to continue building this program and the relationships that have been formed with these communities.

The second ‘Hands On’ professional development day for teachers was held in Lismore Diocese this year. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly in relation to the workshops on Refugee Issues, Indigenous Issues, Vincentian Spirituality and Homelessness.

The Maitland/Newcastle Diocese ran a Refugee Family Camp, taking a group of mothers and children away for a weekend. These camps are an example of different generations in the Society working together as the Migrant and Refugee Special Works develop a program for the mothers while the Youth and Young Adult team organise a program for the children.

Other local programs run during the year included monthly visits by young adult volunteers to Villawood Detention Centre, and the establishment of a Green Team to provide gardening assistance to those who need it in Sydney.

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social justice16Social justice remained at the forefront of the Society’s work throughout 2008-2009, driving its purpose to assist disadvantaged people.

Building on the enthusiastic government, community and media responses to the Society’s ‘Residents at Risk’ report into disadvantaged caravan park residents, advocacy on the issues of homelessness and housing remained a priority. In July 2008, as part of a series of World Youth Day social justice forums, the Society was represented in an expert panel to discuss research and practice perspectives of homelessness and mental health.

World Youth Day presented a series of additional opportunities to heighten awareness and action on social justice, particularly among young Vincentian’s. NSW Social Justice representatives joined almost 300 young people assembled at the FamVin Conference at St Stanislaus College, contributing to a series of lectures, workshops and reflections on connections between past and present understandings of the Society’s social justice mission.

During the year, the Society’s views and commentary on social justice issues were regularly called upon by the media, where it was positioned as a key player in policy development and service delivery. Its research was published in several respected social justice publications

Social justice lectures were held in response to a number of invitations by agencies including: Vinnies Street Retreat; Lismore Diocese; Bathurst Diocese; Blue Mountains Regional Council Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Australian Catholic University; Rotary; Politics in the Pub; Wesley Mission; REINSW; and the Australian Rental Market Summit.

To coincide with the opening of the Ozanam Learning Centre at the end of 2008, the research publication, ‘Life Lessons’ was released. This report examined the viability and structure of learning and recreation programs across Matthew Talbot Homeless Services and the Ozanam Learning Centre, and throughout a range of comparable national and international homeless services.

In fulfillment of the Social Justice Committee’s commitment to proactively map and respond to new and emerging forms of need, in May 2009 the ‘Known Territory’ report was produced. This study of homelessness and marginalisation in Katoomba featured in-depth interviews with people experiencing homelessness in the region, the report received positive government and community response and significant media coverage.

At the end of the year, The Social Justice Year in Review, a collection of snapshot narratives about the Society’s work, was published and established itself as an insightful reference tool.

Links to all the Society’s Social Justice reports were made available on the Vinnies website.

Planning for 2009-2010 is focused on providing greater levels of support to members in recognising and engaging social justice issues in course of their vocation. Heightened emphasis will also be directed towards using research to support best practice and policy development.

SOCIAL JUSTICE


Volunteers, through their many and varied good works, aptly express the mission and vision of the St Vincent de Paul Society. In 2008-2009 more than 17,000 volunteer roles across NSW generously gave their time and energy to help the Society assist the disadvantaged and marginalised.

The role of the Volunteer Development Advisory Committee (VDAC) is to support the recruitment and work of members and volunteers across the State. VDAC held nine ‘It’s Time to Grow’ recruitment workshops this year, attended by 180 members.

A highlight of the year was the successful application for $126,237 FaCSIA funding for Volunteer Grants. In total 77 branches from nine Dioceses requested funding. The full amount was dispersed in March to Society services that rely on almost 6,000 volunteers. This enabled the purchase of equipment such as computers, air conditioners, safety equipment, trolleys, refrigerators, BBQs, dishwashers and other items for the use of these volunteers. In addition, more than $17,000 for volunteer fuel reimbursement was made available. Development of the Volunteers Needed section of the website enabled more effective placement of people who visited the website looking for opportunities to volunteer.

A Volunteer Engagement Policy was developed, which will be implemented in 2009-2010. Focus will also be given to developing strategies, in collaboration with the Youth Team, for engaging younger generations for volunteering and membership.

VDAC continues to encourage the expansion of the volunteer program to meet the Society’s needs with a focus on drawing on the professional expertise of those who want to assist.

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Linda Burney MP, Minister of Community ServicesLindwall and Ward PrintersLion Nathan / TooheysLittle CreaturesLMG BottlemartLongrain MelbourneLucas Management Luna Park Sydney Macquarie Group FoundationMacquarie HotelManildra Group Matthew Talbot Raceday CommitteeMcDonalds Family RestaurantsMcWilliams WinesMecure SydneyMelbourne Racing Club Merivale GroupMike Bailey Missie P/LMoët Hennessy AustraliaMoonee Valley Racing ClubMoorebank Private Vineyard EstateMount St Benedict CollegeMPM Marketing Services (trading as ‘Castaway’)Multi Channel NetworkNestle Australia Ltd

Network TenNewcastle Jockey ClubNine Network and Nine MSNO’Mara’s Valuers & AuctioneersOC LimousinesOffice of Mr Barry O’Farrell MPOffice of the Minister for Gaming & Racing and Minister for Sport & RecreationOffice of the Minister for Sport & Recreation and Gaming & RacingOffice of the Shadow Minister for Gaming & RacingOoh MediaOperation BackpackPace HairdressingPalm Meadows Golf CoursePandora Jewellery Panthers World of EntertainmentPatchetts PiesPaynter DixonPeter Doyle @ the QuayPeter Doyle Newcastle CellarsPJ Gallaghers Q Station RetreatQantas Airways Limited Racing NSWReal Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW)Redemptorist Monastery

Richards on the ParkRockit AdvertisingRocklee GroveRydges ParramattaRydges ParramattaSamuel Smith & SonSchweppesScruffy Murphy’s HotelSeneca TextilesSeven NetworkShangri-La Hotel SydneyShark HotelSofitel Melbourne On CollinsSpace FurnitureSt Clement’s Galong St George Corporate BankingStaging ConnectionsStar CitySteggles ChickensSunday MagazineSusie JonsonSydney Cricket & Sports Ground TrustSydney Fish Markets Pty LtdSydney Opera HouseSydney Seafood SchoolSydney Swans Limited Sydney Turf ClubTabcorp

Tactical Solutions The CEO InstituteThe Independent Liquor Group Co-operative LimitedThe Macquarie Boutique HotelThe Menzies SydneyThe VintageThe WigglesThoroughbred Stud ToursTicketmasterTim O’Meara AuctioneersTim WebsterToby’s Estate CoffeeTooheys Unleashed Health & FitnessVal Morgan Victoria Hotel, MelbourneVictoria Racing ClubVisyW Drayton & Sons Pty LtdWestpac Banking CorporationWhite WiresWilkinson MediaWN Bull Woolworths LimitedWorld Youth Day concert artists Yahoo 7Zonta Club of Macarthur Inc

2GB/2CHAAMIABC - Australian Broadcasting CorporationAbergeldie Aces SecurityAinsworth Game TechnologyAJC (Australian Jockey Club)AMPAMP Capital InvestorsAMP Foundation AMP ServicesARIAAristocratArthurs Allen RobinsonASX OperationsAustereo Australian Hotels Association (AHA)Australian Catholic UniversityAustralian National University Australian Stockbrokers Foundation Bar 333 & Infusion RestaurantBarbara’s at HomeBaristar Coffee CateringBathers PavilionBigpond & Bigpond MSNBP Woodwards & Associates BridgeClimbBritish American Tobacco

Brookfield Multiplex LimitedBrumby’sBunningsCafé Maybach Caliburn PartnershipsCambridge StudCampbells WarehouseCapitol Theatre Captain Cook Cruises Casablanca Interior DesignCatholic Church Insurances Commonwealth Bank AustraliaCheeky Food GroupCheers Bar & GrillChocoalte Hills and Upper Hunter ToursChophouseCircus ArtsCitigate Sebel HotelCity HotelCity Tattersalls ClubClaude GroupClouston AssociatesClubs NSW Community Development Support Expenditure (CDSE)Coca-Cola AmatilCoogee Bay HotelCoors Chambers Westgarth Country Women’s Association

Cox Plate Crowne Plaza, NewcastleCruise RestaurantDavid Borger MP, Minister for Housing Davina MurrayDe BortoliDepartment of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)Designer RugsDiageo AustraliaDiamond TradersDick Smith Investments DMG RadioDoyles on the BeachDr Jerry SchwartzDraytons Family Wines EcclisseEmiratesFairfax MediaFox SportsFruit at WorkGai WaterhouseGalong MonastaryGAP StudiosGirl Friday Hospitality SolutionsGlobal Gaming IndustriesGold Coast Turf ClubGoldman Sachs JB Were

Gosford Race ClubGourmet Dinner ServiceGP IsraelGuillaume at BennelongHaberfield Rotary ClubHarmers Harrigans PubHarris Farm MarketsHayman ResortHilliers Hilton HotelsHis Eminence, Cardinal G Pell, St Mary’s CathedralHomealloy BodyworksHost PlusHotels Have Hearts Committee Hoyts La PremiereHunter Valley GardensIGT (Int’l Gaming Technology)Ingham EnterprisesIngleburn Quota ClubInteriors Intoto Pty Ltd [Twelvetrees Cottage]J.B. Metropolitan DistributorsJefa Kerrie Jarvis, StagelineKeystone Hospitality KFC NSWL’Oreal Australia

our supporters18The St Vincent de Paul Society would like to sincerely thank all organisations and individuals who helped bring hope, dignity, comfort and relief to people in every area of need. The St Vincent de Paul Society extends its deepest thanks to priests and religious clergy, members, volunteers, parish communities, staff, generous donors, Circle of Hope donor club members, businesses, schools, trusts and foundations, media, community and welfare organisations, research bodies, the authorities and government departments, who all unite together to support the Society’s work and mission at every level, in alleviating need across NSW.

The St Vincent de Pauls Society would also like to specifically thank the organiations who helped raise cruical funders and profile for the Society including:


Child Protection has been active in conducting training for Society members, volunteers and employees across NSW. Participation in reviewing the Children and Young People (Care and Protection) Act in NSW; membership of working groups with Department of Community Services, and the Department of Disability and Community Services, with feedback to the Council of Australian Governments ensures the Society has input to legislation review and preparation. .Employment Relations has had to cope with significant changes in employment legislation brought about by four different sets of laws applying in the past four years. The Society was able to transition its workforce to the new Fair Work system while improving working conditions for staff and achieving some cost efficiencies through improved administration. Areas of particular note have been the completion of transition for staff from awards to collective agreements, which has been largely completed for approximately 90% of waged staff. A new State-wide payroll has commenced to improve both the speed and processing of payroll. Expected cost savings will eventuate over time with the new system. The coming year will focus on human resources processes, in particular recruitment and an improved appraisal performance system to ensure the Society attracts the right candidates for positions and properly manages and assesses employed staff. The future, both immediate and long term, must concentrate on extensive organisational and operational issues. Restructuring is not undertaken without serious consideration and is essential to maintain long-term viability and relevance. Incorporating the Society as a company limited by guarantee, the introduction of a constitution, change from Diocesan Councils to Central Councils, production and publication of consolidated audited accounts, and greater transparency are a few critical commercial matters among many under review. Importantly, all of the above are administrative or commercial issues and will have little impact on grass roots NSW Society activities undertaken by members and volunteers. These changes will take time and effort to introduce, review and refine but are projected to be completed by July 2010.

OPERATIONS

Occupational Health and Safety programs run by certified OH&S auditors during the year are providing a safe and healthy environment for members, volunteers, clients and employees in all works conducted by the Society in NSW. Safe practices and systems are developed and implemented through extensive training and audit.

Insurance programs provide cover for members, volunteers and employees. This is in addition to suitable cover for buildings and contents, public liability and professional indemnity. Continued improvement in the reduction of insurance claims has been achieved as a result of extensive training, and changes in attitude, in the work place environment by working to implement safe practices and procedures.

The Community and Corporate Relations team began the year with the Vinnies World Youth 4 Justice concert during World Youth Day. Even in a difficult climate, fundraising was successful with Society appeals, newsletters and fundraising events exceeding targets across the board. Matthew Talbot appeals and newsletters were down on the previous year largely due to the economic downturn. Acquisition continued to be challenging but the very successful Vinnies CEO Sleepout, held in June made up for the shortfall by being 248% above target. This event ,along with other opportunities, gave the Society a strong media presence throughout the year. The publications team continued to produce a number of high quality Society publications and to streamline all Society materials to a standardised house style. The Vinnies Winter Appeal 2008 won the most prestigious award at the Australian Direct Marketing Awards. The Bequests team had an excellent year, first with an intimate supporter event in the Vault at CBA and by securing a considerable number of new bequests through direct mail and radio bringing the potential bequests income to approximately $28 million

Information System strategies continue to be implemented to support the Mission and goals of the Society in NSW. The objective of these strategies is to supply cost-effective current technology to support a widespread community and member base, plus more effective management of operations. All Dioceses, Special Works and State Council are now electronically connected allowing effective and secure communication and information sharing. Systems on which NSW depends include financials, society supporters, fundraising, society people, HR and volunteer management. Ongoing upgrades to software and hardware improves information systems and will ensure more effective use and less costly operation to support client needs in the future. The Vintranet was introduced during the year to facilitate internal communications across the Society. Stage 1, involving Vintranet’s roll out to State Council, was completed in 2008-2009. Its implementation across Diocese and Special Works will continue to 2009-2010.

operations19


FINANCEIncome Statement

Continuing operations 2009 $ 2008 $

Revenue and other income

Expenditure

Surplus for the period

Fundraising:

Fundraising costsCosts of sales - Vinnies CentresCosts of sales - otherPeople in need servicesHomeless and mental health servicesAged Care servicesManagement and administrationNet loss on transfer of Canberra/GoulburnNet loss on disposal of property, plant and equipmentImpairment of investmentsTransfers to other entities

Donations and appealsBequests

Government fundingClient contributionsSale of goods - Vinnies CentresSale of goods - otherInvestment incomeOther incomeNet gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

107,203,171 103,929,281

105,499,085 93,007,317

1,704,086 10,921,964

3,363,782 2,969,88134,413,069 26,774,321

90,725 6,432,04623,145,846 22,016,83627,685,116 23,261,467

595,280 125,97312,168,816 10,678,1702,178,667 -

6,544 -689,114 -

1,162,126 748,623

13,750,362 15,152,3185,150,031 4,606,778

22,594,903 20,085,2653,784,506 3,182,461

52,213,697 46,976,428118,978 3,909,376

5,176,452 5,824,2312,238,422 3,682,4382,175,820 509,986

2009 Income

Sale of goods - Vinnies Centres

Government funding

Donations and appeals

Investment income

Bequests

Client contributions

Other income

Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

49%

21%

12%

5%

5%

4%

2%

2%

2009 Expenditure

Cost of sales - otherAged Care servicesNet loss on disposal of property, plant and equipmentImpairment of investments

•••

•

1%

Cost of sales - Vinnies Centres

33%

Homeless & mental health services

26%

People in need22%

Management & administration

12%

Fundraising costs3%

Net loss on transfer to Canberra/Goulburn

2%

Transfers to other entities

1%

finance20Financial Special Purpose Consolidated AccountsThe Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement are the accounts of the consolidated performance for the Society in NSW for 2008/2009 and a comparison with 2007/2008. The 2007/2008 financial reports include the complete result for the Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn. Only property assets are included in 2008/2009. The Compilation Report provided by the Society’s Auditors is included together with the accounting policies adopted during the year 2008/2009. Some points need to be noted:

The decline in surplus for the period 2008/2009 from 2007/2008 of $9,217,878 is due to:

a net reduction in operating surplus of $3,666,080 due to a decline in donations and significant increase in costs of providing homeless and mental health services of $4,423,649 partly offset by an increase in government funding and income from Centres of Charity.once off prior period adjustments in 2007/2008 for $3,373,131, to bring the special purpose accounts in line with Australian accounting Standards AASB137.the removal from consolidation in NSW accounts of non-property assets for the Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn in 2008/2009 ($2,178,667).

Property assets for the Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn ($6,640,805) are consolidated in NSW accounts in accord with registered title.Significant capital works continue (2008/2009 outlay $24,671,016) with a review and evaluation of further projects with an estimated value of $64m in progress.

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(b)

(c)


FINANCECash flow statement

Cash flows from operating actvities: 2009 $ 2008 $

Net cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from:Donations and appealsBequestsGovernment fundingClient contributionsVinnies Centres - sale of goodsDividend incomeInterest incomeOther incomePayments to clients,suppliers and employees

8,462,693 12,631,236

13,670,464 16,565,9755,150,031 5,358,473

23,801,713 23,941,0093,962,496 2,733,034

57,850,721 50,951,011339,474 204,078

5,183,488 4,184,3662,579,490 2,820,650

(104,075,184) (94,127,360)

Cash flows from investing activities:Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipmentPurchase of property, plant and equipmentPurchase of investmentsProceeds from disposal of investmentsCash outflow on transfer to CanberraNet cash flows used in investing activities

22,927,439 24,080,705(24,671,016) (13,705,776)

- (6,233,664)- 4,203,218

(3,057,997) -(4,801,574) 8,344,483

Cash flows from financing activities:Loan repaymentsLoans receivedFinance lease paymentsNet cash flows used in financing activities

(135,222) (3,236,043)662,128 142,917

(105,553) (91,889)421,353 (3,185,015)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial periodCash and cash equivalent at the end of the financial period

4,082,472 17,790,704

92,049,140 74,258,436

96,131,612 92,049,140

Items given to people in need by Vinnies Centres by type

Dollar value of goods provided to people in need by Vinnies Centres ($)

Furniture61%

Clothing23%

Manchester9%

Blankets4%

Electrical goods2%

Kitchenwares1%

Wollongong Diocese

Sydney Archdiocese


Broken Bay Diocese

Bathurst Diocese

Parramatta Diocese

Lismore Diocese

Wagga Wagga Diocese

Armidale Diocese

TOTAL


2,572,495

296,939

616,910

251,536

366,553

162,103

341,280

104,778

340,826

56,418

35,152

Balance Sheet

Assets 2009 $ 2008 $Current assetsCash and cash equivalentsTrade and other receivablesInventoriesOther assetsOther financial assetsTotal current assets

96,517,358 92,049,14018,145,765 24,853,077

825,048 938,096869,495 1,127,801

3,581,091 3,943,615119,938,757 122,911,729

Non-current assetsTrade and other receivables 42,610,998 58,000,000Other financial assetsProperty, plant and equipmentIntangible assetsTotal non-current assetsTotal assets

6,100,000 6,100,000231,662,896 215,444,577

1,838,748 1,713,511282,212,642 281,258,088402,151,399 404,169,817

Current liabilitiesTrade and other payables 10,067,739 10,998,453BorrowingsProvisionsTotal current liabilities

385,746 683,1194,953,330 5,877,446

15,406,815 17,559,018

Net assets 383,816,275 381,774,182

Non-current liabilitiesTrade and other payables 577,218 1,471,051BorrowingsProvisionsTotal non-current liabilitiesTotal liabilities

- 1,322,0292,351,091 2,043,5372,928,309

18,335,1244,836,617

22,395,635

FundsFunds for future social programs 383,978,917 382,274,831Investments revaluation reserveTotal funds

(162,642) (500,649)383,816,275 381,774,182

Dollar value of goods provided to people in need by Conferences ($)

Wollongong Diocese

Sydney Archdiocese

Wagga Wagga Diocese

Parramatta Diocese

Lismore Diocese

Broken Bay Diocese

Bathurst Diocese


Armidale Diocese


TOTAL

90,759

321,520

64,470

236,306

57,924

137,091

51,099

108,484

18,538

13,597

1,099,788


FINANCENote 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

St Vincent de Paul Society (the Society) is a non-government Public Benevolant Institution that is part of a confederation of autonomous State and Territory bodies in Australia, who come together as appropriate to give effect to the mission and ethos of the Society.

The financial report is a special purpose financial report that has been prepared to satisfy self-imposed national reporting requirements of the confederation of State and Societies. The Society has determined that it is not a reporting entity. The Society is incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

Basis of PreparationThe special purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the following applicable Australian Accounting Standards and Australian Accounting Interpretations:

- AASB 101: Presentation of Financial Statements;- AASB 107: Cash Flow Statements;- AASB 108: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors;- AASB 110: Events after the Balance Sheet Date;- AASB 1004: Contributions; - AASB 1031: Materiality; and - AASB 1048: Interpretations and Application of the Standards

No other Accounting standards, Accounting Interpretations or other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board have been applied given the financial report prepared is special purpose.

Reporting Basis and Conventions The financial report is presented in Australian dollars.

The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs except for the following:

Land and buildings donated are measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation on buildings and any impairment losses

Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value. The methods used to measure the fair values of these assets are discussed in Note 1(d).

Accounting PoliciesThe following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the entity in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.

(a) Revenue Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Society and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goodsRevenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers.

Compilation ReportTo The Trustees of the Society of St Vincent de Paul Society

We have compiled the accompanying special purpose financial statements of The Society of St Vincent de Paul NSW, which comprise the balance sheet as at 30 June 2009, and the income statement, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes. The specific purpose for which the special purpose financial statements have been prepared is set out in Note 1.

The responsibility of the Board

The Board of the Society of St Vincent de Paul NSW are solely responsible for the information contained in the special purpose financial statements and have determined that the financial reporting framework used is appropriate to meet their needs and for the purpose that the financial statements were prepared.

Our Responsibility

On the basis of information provided by the Board we have compiled the accompanying special purpose financial statements in accordance with the financial reporting framework and APES 315 Compilation of Financial information.

Our procedures use accounting expertise to collect, classify and summarise the financial information, which the Board provided, in compiling the financial statements. Our procedures do not include verification or validation procedures. No audit or review has been performed and accordingly no assurance is expressed.

The special purpose financial statements were complied exclusively for the benefit of the Board. We do not accept responsibility to any other person for the contents of the special purpose financial statements.

Grants Thornton Audit Pty Ltd

Government grantsGrants are principally of a recurrent or capital nature and intended to fund ongoing operations or asset acquisitions. Income from grants is measured at the fair value of the contributions received or receivable and only when all the following conditions have been satisfied: • the Society obtains control of the grant funds or the right to receive the grant funds; • it is probable that the economic benefits comprising grants will flow to the Society; and • the amount of the grant can be measured reliably. Grants are recognised in the accounting period in which the rights are fulfilled.

Client contributionsAccommodation bonds received from incoming clients are held in trust for each individual resident and are recognised as a liability. Monthly retention fees are deducted from each bond account according to the statutory requirements and are recognised as revenue. Interest earned on all monies is recognised as revenue.

Contributions by clients, who have the capacity to pay are recognised when the service is provided.

Donations and bequestsRevenue or capital assets arising from donations and bequests is recognised when control is obtained, as it is impossible for the Society to reliably measure these prior to this time. For example, cash donations are recognised when banked and other donations are recognised when title possession transfers to the Society.

Gifts in-kindGifts in-kind obtained for centres of charity have a nil replacement value (that is they would be replaced by other donated goods), and as such revenue from the donations of these goods are not included in the financial statements other than as defined under donations and bequests.

Interest revenue Revenue is recognised as the interest accrues for the accounting period.

Proceeds of non-current asset salesThe net profit from the sale of an asset is included as revenue when control of the asset passes to the buyer. The profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset at the time of disposal and net proceeds.

(b) Income and fringe benefits taxThe Society is a charitable institution for the purposes of Australian taxation legislation and is therefore exempt from income tax. This exemption has been confirmed by the Australian Taxation Office. The Society holds deductible gift recipient status.

The Society is entitled to a partial exemption from Fringe Benefits Tax.

(c) Cash and cash equivalentsCash and short-term deposits in the Balance Sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and deposits at call or with an original maturity of specific term. For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.


FINANCE(d) Financial instruments

Financial assetsAll financial assets are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration given and including acquisition charges associated with the investment. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, or for a nominal cost, the cost is its fair value as at the date of acquisition.

Held to maturity investments These are investments that have fixed maturities and it is the Society’s intention to hold these investments to maturity. Any investments held to maturity by the Society are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Loans and receivablesLoans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Available for sale financial assetsAvailable for sale financial assets include all financial assets not locked in the above categories. Available for sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value are taken directly to equity.

Financial liabilities Financial liabilities, including loans and borrowings, are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

Fair value Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation techniques are applied to determine the fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent arms length transactions, reference to similar instruments and pricing models.

Impairment At each reporting date the members assess whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of the ‘available-for-sale’ financial assets, a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether an impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement.

(e) Goods and services tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office, in which case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense.

Receivables and payables are recognised inclusive of GST. The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to the Australian Taxation Office is included as part of receivables or payables.

Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from or payable to the Australian Taxation Office is classified as operating cash flows.

(f) Property, plant and equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair values as indicated, less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Any property, plant and equipment donated to the company or acquired at nominal cost is recognised at fair value at the date the company obtains control of the assets.

Property Freehold land and buildings are measured on the cost basis. Decreases that offset previous increases of the same asset are charged against fair value reserves directly in equity; all other decreases are charged to the income statement.

Any accumulated depreciation at the date of revaluation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is restated to the revalued amount of the asset.

Freehold land and buildings were recorded at deemed cost as part of the Society’s transition to A-IFRS. These increases and decreases where recorded through the income statement and have not been revalued subsequent to this transition.income statement and have not been revalued subsequent to this transition.

Plant and equipmentPlant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less depreciation and impairment losses.

The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount of these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the asset’s employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.

DepreciationThe depreciable amount of all fixed assets including buildings and capitalised lease assets, but excluding freehold land, is depreciated on a straight line basis over the asset’s useful life to the entity commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, except leasehold improvements, which are over the term of the lease, as follows: The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable asset are:

ImpairmentAn assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are included in the income statement. When revalued assets are sold, amounts included in the revaluation reserve relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings.

At each reporting date, the members review a number of factors effecting property, plant and equipment, including their carrying values, to determine if these assets may be impaired. If an impairment indicator exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s ‘fair value less costs to sell’ and ‘value in use’ is compared to the carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed in the Income Statement as an impairment expense.

As the future economic benefits of the Society’s assets are not primarily dependent on their ability to generate net cash inflows, and if deprived of the asset, the Society would replace the asset’s remaining future economic benefits, ‘value in use’ is determined as the depreciated replacement cost of the asset, rather than by using discounted future cash flows. Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement.

(g) IntangiblesAll intangibles are initially recognised at their cost, or, when acquired for no consideration, at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

Computer softwareComputer software is carried at its cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses; it has a finite life, and is amortised on a straight line basis over 3 years.

(h) Impairment of assetsAt each reporting date, the company reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement.

Impairment testing is performed annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

(i) InventoriesInventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Where inventories are held for distribution or are to be consumed by the Society in providing services or aid at no or nominal charge, they are valued at the lower of cost and replacement cost.

(j) Trade and other receivablesTrade receivables are recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectable amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off when identified.

(k) Trade and other payablesTrade and other creditors represent unpaid liabilities for goods received by and services provided to the Society prior to the end of the financial year. The amounts are unsecured and are normally settled within 30 days

(l) LeasesLeases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease terms on the same basis as the lease income.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Finance leases which transfer to the Society substantially all the risks and benefits included in the ownership of the leased item are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognised as an expense in the income statement. The fair value of the leases is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at market interest rates. The carrying value of the leases is considered a reasonable reflection of fair value.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

(m) Employee benefitsEmployee benefits comprise wages and salaries, annual, non-accumulating sick and long service leave, and contributions to superannuation plans.

Liabilities for wages and salaries expected to be settled within 12 months of balance date are recognised in other payables in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. Liabilities for annual leave in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date which are expected to be settled within 12 months of balance date are recognised in the provision for annual leave. Both liabilities are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and are measured at the rates paid or payable.

The liability for long service leave is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to anticipated future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures, and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

The company pays contributions to certain defined contribution superannuation plans. Contributions are recognised in the income statement when they are due. The company has no obligation to pay further contributions to these plans if the plans do not hold sufficient assets to pay all employee benefits relating to employee service in current and prior periods.

(n) Comparative figuresWhere required by currently applicable Australian Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year. Details of adjustments to comparative figures due to prior year error have been included.

(o) Critical accounting estimates and judgmentsThe directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the group.

Key estimates – impairmentThe entity assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the entity that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the assets is determined. Fair value less costs to sell or current replacement cost calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates.

Key judgments - employee provisionsThe entity uses estimates in calculating the provisions for annual and long-service leave. Key estimates used relate to staff retention rates and wage inflation rates


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